the evaluation of shu3ded cyber campus [icalt 2014 conference]
DESCRIPTION
This presentation discuss the preliminary findings of an empirical study that aims to evaluate the efficacy of 3D virtual worlds for synchronous distant learning activities. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the prototype developed, the procedures and instruments of data collection, to prepare the study investigating whether virtual worlds can help students participate more effectively in learning activities. The theoretical framework is presented, together with the proposed prototype, method and results of the pilot study, its associated limitations and the future work that we intend to perform.TRANSCRIPT
The Evaluation of SHU3DED Cyber Campus A pilot study
Louis Nisiotis, Martin Beer, Elizabeth Uruchurtu
Sheffield Hallam University, United Kingdom.
09/07/2014
PhD Research
Synopsis Background and Context
Theoretical Framework
The Design of SHU3DED
Pilot Evaluation
Results
Discussion
Limitations and Future Work
Background and Context
Access and Participation Issues
E-Learning: Synchronous/Asynchronous Content Accessibility and Knowledge Sharing Flexibility in Learning (Lau et al. 2013)
Traditional Distant Learning Environments: “Cold and Impersonal”, “Insufficient for optimal learning”, “Flat,
asynchronous, with limited interaction and dynamism” (Johnson et al. 2011)
Lack of Effective Social Interaction (Sanders et al. 2007)
Background and Context Cyber Campuses
3D navigational spaces Synchronous interaction, communication and collaboration Real time interaction between users and objects Immersion and co-presence, the use of Avatar Interactivity and richer visual experiences Enhanced multimedia presentation tools
References: Prasolova et al. 2006, Chau et al. 2013, Cronin et al, 2011, Livingstone et al, 2008
Theoretical FrameworkRQ: “How can cyber campuses help students participate more effectively in
learning activities?”
Methodology for the evaluation of the efficacy of a MUVE to support synchronous learning (De Lucia et al. 2009)
Empirical work looking at the ability of cyber campuses to support participation in learning activities.
In MUVE’s, learning is strongly related to the perceptions of presence, communication, awareness and the feeling of belonging to a community (De Lucia et al. 2009).
The Design of SHU3DED
The Design of SHU3DED(cont.)
The Pilot Evaluation Purpose:
Prototype initial evaluation Assess and evaluate the experimental procedures and data collection instruments Ensure good operation in practical environment, conditions management procedures
simulation.
Participants 3 different sessions Total participation N=23 (21 Male, 2 Female), age: 19-21
Procedures Virtual Learning Scenario Simulation
Instruments Presence Questionnaire (Witmer & Singer, 1998) Sociability Scale (Kreijns et al., 2007) Awareness, communication and CVE scale (De Lucia et al., 2009) Chat Logging
Learning Simulation Scenario
Results Presence
High perceptions of presence. Good sense of control, high sensory and realism, low distractions.
Communication Perceived easy and efficient to communicate.
Awareness High awareness perceptions of the existence and actions of others.
Sociability Supports socialization, a sound social space, provide the feeling of
belonging to a community.
Environment Design Stimulating, logical, consistent, productive and satisfying.
Discussion Positive evaluation of the prototype
High sense of presence, communication, awareness and sociability
Positive evaluation of the design, productivity and satisfaction
System was behaving properly
Experimental procedures are considered appropriate to demonstrate the learning potentials of the prototype
Data collection instruments are capable to provide reliable empirical data.
Limitations and Future Work Limitations
Controlled Environment Time limitations Sample size and groups Learning scenario
Future Work Additional Piloting. Main Evaluation Study. Qualitative Virtual Focus Group Study. Determine the extent to which cyber campuses can help students
participate more effectively in learning activities. Devise design considerations and suggestions.
Thank You!
Contact Details: Name: Louis Nisiotis Email: [email protected] Website: www.learninvw.com Organization: Sheffield Hallam University
Research Partially Funded by Leventis Foundation