ERIC Number: EJ1412272
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1939-1382
Collaborative Learning in the Edu-Metaverse Era: An Empirical Study on the Enabling Technologies
IEEE Transactions on Learning Technologies, v17 p1107-1119 2024
Computer-supported collaborative learning aims to use information technologies to support collaborative knowledge construction by practicing the relevant pedagogical approaches, especially in the distance learning setting. The enabling technologies are fast advancing, and the need for solutions during the COVID-19 global pandemic led to the emergence of the Edu-Metaverse, which is conceptualized as a collection of networked virtual worlds (i.e., the Metaverse) for learning. There is a great necessity to investigate how these more recent enabling technologies can support collaborative learning. This empirical study aims to collect both quantitative and qualitative results to fill the knowledge gaps. Specifically, 20 undergraduate students (three females and 17 males) taking the Game Design and Development course voluntarily participated in this study. The participants used three representative collaboration platforms (i.e., AltSpace, Gather, and ZOOM) in our laboratory for discussing three course-specific topics, simulating the undertaking of collaborative learning tasks in the distance learning setting. The results suggest that the participants were more engaged in the learning activities using the Metaverse platforms that offer avatar-mediated communications and collaborations (i.e., AltSpace and Gather). These platforms also gave the participants a stronger sense of copresence and belonging to the learning community. Potential improvements to the usability and the participants' feedback are also discussed in the article. We hope the results can contribute to the fast-growing use of the Metaverse-enabling technologies for educational purposes.
Descriptors: Computer Simulation, Computer Assisted Instruction, Cooperative Learning, Technology Uses in Education, Electronic Learning, Distance Education, COVID-19, Pandemics, Educational Technology, Undergraduate Students, Games, Design
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. 445 Hoes Lane, Piscataway, NJ 08854. Tel: 732-981-0060; Web site: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/RecentIssue.jsp?punumber=4620076
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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