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Learning in Technology-Rich Environments: Second Life vs.

Moodle

PhD candidate Mikhail FominykhNorwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Norway

16.03.2010IASTED International Conference on Web-based Education, Sharm el-Sheikh

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Learningtask

Platform finding

Platform #1

Platform #2

Learningtask

Learningtask

Learningtask

Platform

Platform

Platform

Platform

Platform

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3D Virtual EnvironmentDefinition

three dimensional, synchronous, persistent environment, facilitated by networked computers

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3D Virtual Environmentas a learning platform

• Provide – synchronous collaboration

support– sense of presence– powerful content visualization

• Demand – effort to use– effort to orchestrate– good equipment

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Environment

3D virtual world

interactive web-site

Second Life vs. Moodle

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Second Life vs. Moodle

Experience

simulating real life

complementing lectures

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Second Life vs. Moodle

Tools

common web 2.0 tools in 3Dunnecessary features

special learning toolscommon web 2.0 tools

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Guidelines3D VEs can be used for learning, when

– Social constructivism is the major approach;– synchronous activities are more important

than asynchronous;– learning benefits from the sense of presence;– there is a demand to replace real-life

experience (e.g.f2f) rather then to complement it;

– 3D content explains better than 2D;– potential learners have already got some

experience in working with 3D virtual environments;

– hardware requirements suit potential learners.

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Conclusion

• An overview of learning in technology-rich environments

• A comparison of learning opportunities of Second Life and Moodle

• Recommendations when virtual worlds can be used for learning

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Thank you!

Mikhail Fominykh

NTNU, Norway

E-mail: mikhail.fominykh@svt.ntnu.noSlides: http://slideshare.net/mfominykh/Second Life: http://slurl.com/secondlife/NTNU/