MacICT 3D Virtual Worlds Learning Spaces 2010

Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre is a collaboration between the NSW Department of Education and Training and Macquarie University

Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre

MacICT

Learning Spaces3D Virtual Worlds

Sustainable



Virtual World

What is a Virtual World?

A virtual world is a 3D computer environment in which users are represented on screen as themselves or as made up characters and can interact in real time with other users. These representations are called avatars. Students and teachers learn to design and construct using an open source software called OpenSim http://opensimulator.org/

http://opensimulator.org/



Project Outcomes

Project Outcomes

The Virtual Worlds Project aims to:evaluate innovative educational applications of virtual world technologies, focusing specifically on activities that involve student construction within a safe environment.



Project Description

Project Description

Students in Stages 3 & 4 explore 3D Virtual Worlds to design and construct Learning Spaces for:

• Sustainable covered outdoor learning areas and classrooms for 21st century learning.

• Sustainable café and learning space for Hospitality students.



Students follow the rules of STAR and good cyber citizenship practice in the virtual world.

Cyber Citizenship

Cyber Citizenship



StudentsComments

“I think using virtual world was an amazing learning experience. It should definitely be in the school curriculum so other students could experience the joy we have whilst in world.” Year 7 student

Student comments …

“Yes, it is a good way to learn because it helps us use our imaginations and think what would work and what wouldn’t, so it is another form of problem solving.” Year 6 student



Develop teacher capacity in the use of information communication technologies.

Office of Schools Plan 2009- 2011

• Innovative professional learning opportunities

State-wide Strategies Northern Sydney Region Strategies

CONNECTED LEARNING

Implement interactive classrooms to better meet the learning needs of 21st Century students.

• video conferencing.• collaborative curriculum projects

• Identifying innovative teaching practice

Extend learning opportunities for students and teachers acrosscommunities of schools.

• support collaborative curriculum projects using ICT

Office of Schools Plan



4.2.4Design and facilitate a variety of purposeful group structures that facilitate student engagement to make content meaningful.

NSW Institute of Teachers (Accreditation and Standards)Sample of NSW Institute Elements mapped to MacICT Projects

NSW Institute of Teachers

Student Grouping

ELEMENT 4: TEACHERS COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THEIR STUDENTS

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

3D Virtual Worlds Project is now a registered course for NSWDET teachers. NSWDET teachers who are interested in this course, please contactProgram Manager: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



The 3D Virtual Worlds Project links to many of the NSW Quality Teaching framework elements including:

• Higher-order thinking

• Engagement

• Inclusivity

• Connectedness

• Problematic Knowledge

NSW Quality Teaching framework

NSW Quality Teaching framework



Teachers’Comments

And the final word…from teachers“This is especially beneficial for students who have strong imaginations or excel in conceptual thinking but are restricted in their skills in realising their ideas on paper.” Teacher: Peter W.

“My students discovered a new dimension for exploring creativity and problem solving; that in doing this they were not restricted by size or scale; they could test their ideas quickly and make required modifications.” Teacher: Peter W. Dulwich HSVAD

"The students are totally switched on which is almost unheard of in a typical classroom! They have picked up the technology quickly and have no trouble jumping in and taking risks." Teacher: Lisa A. Dulwich

HSVAD



Teachers’Comments

"I think in the real world, there's often limitations on students' ability to problem solve. They are more overwhelmed by what is not possible but when you open up to this virtual world then actually anything becomes possible. Then you can model it and problem solve it figure out that you can use space in a very dynamic way." Coordinator of Formal and Informal Learning, Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney: Adele Maskiell

The capacity to design and manipulate prims within the virtual world has led to designs that are extraordinary. I doubt whether we would have been able to achieve the depth of creativity in the regular classroom. Jane H. Sylvania HS

And the final word…from teachers



Research

Research

Using LAMS to structure and support learning activities in virtual worlds(2010 LAMS Conference, Macquarie University)

Andrew CramDepartment of EducationMacquarie University, NSW, Australia

Design and Construction in Virtual Environments for Real-World Learning

John Hedberg and Andrew CramMacquarie University, NSW, Australia

Katy Lumkin and Janette EadeMacquarie ICT Innovations CentreNSW Department of Education and Training, Australia

Katy Lumkin and Janette EadeMacquarie ICT Innovations CentreNSW Department of Education and Training, Australia



Online World at MacICT

Online World at MacICT

3D Virtual Worlds Project Information:http://web1.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.php/projects/menu3dvirtualworlds.html

3D Virtual Worlds Blog:http://macict3dvirtualworlds.wordpress.com/

3D Virtual Worlds OnlineTraining Videos:http://trinity.macict.edu.au/

3D Virtual Worlds Wallwisher - Learning Spaces:http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/learning-spaces

21st Century Learning Spaces:http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/learningspaces2

MacICT 3D Virtual Worlds Team

http://web1.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.php/projects/menu3dvirtualworlds.html

http://macict3dvirtualworlds.wordpress.com/

http://trinity.macict.edu.au/

http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/learning-spaces

http://www.wallwisher.com/wall/learningspaces2



DisclaimerThe ideas expressed in this artefact are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect represent the ideas of the NSW Department of Education and Training.

Printed/Published 2010 Published by Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre Building C5B Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109 Australia © Copyright subject to the operation of the Copyright Act 1968, vested in the Crown in the right of the State of New South Wales.

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Disclaimer

MacICT 3D Virtual Worlds Learning Spaces 2010

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