ERIC Number: EJ1131481
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1792-8788
EISSN: N/A
A Virtual World for Collaboration: The AETZone
Cheney, Amelia W.; Sanders, Robert L.; Matzen, Nita J.; Bronack, Stephen C.; Riedl, Richard E.; Tashner, John H.
Themes in Science and Technology Education, v2 n1-2 p91-106 2009
Participation in learning communities, and the construction of knowledge in communities of practice, are important considerations in the use of 3D immersive worlds. This article describes the creation of this type of learning environment in AETZone, an immersive virtual environment in use within graduate programs at Appalachian State University since 2000. Both student and faculty perceptions of elements such as presence, co-presence, and the forging of active community are presented, along with examples of formal and informal activities which serve as the base for teaching and learning in the Zone.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Communities of Practice, Educational Environment, Virtual Classrooms, Graduate Students, Student Satisfaction, Teacher Attitudes, Usability, Interpersonal Communication, Learning Activities, Learning Experience, Student Surveys, Teacher Surveys, Interaction
Themes in Science and Technology Education. The Educational Approaches to Virtual Reality Technologies Laboratory, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, GR 45110, Greece. Tel: +30-2651005697; Fax: +30-2651005854; Web site: http://earthlab.uoi.gr/theste
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: North Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A