Evaluate the use of Second Life for collaborative learning

Collaborative learning

Information systems: business problem analysis; senior level undergraduate

Write a collaborative (small group) essay

Evaluate the use of Second Life for synchronous distance lectures

Collaborative learning

Fundamentals of computer science

Actively participate in a group lecture

Examine the instructional effectiveness of Second Life as an experiential learning environment

Experiential learning; collaborative learning

Communicating across disciplines; graduate level

Create a small group project in Second Life that reflects and uses interdisciplinary communication strategies

Evaluate an assessment framework that evaluates the learning objectives and learning processes of the Second Life project

Learner-centered; active learning

Master’s of business administration: information technology and business transformation; graduate level

Explore and participate in preidentified virtual businesses; chat with others at these places

Examine students’ intentions to use Second Life as a learning environment; explore factors associated with student intentions

Collaborative learning

Business school: e-commerce class and management information systems class; undergraduate (junior and senior level)

Attend a software information booth at a business corporate center and collaboratively solve a computer configuration problem

Test the usefulness of Second Life as an action learning environment in a senior management information systems course

Action learning

Information systems: virtual organizations and global teamwork; senior level undergraduate

Build and run an online business in Second Life

Find appropriate ways to integrate Second Life into English as a foreign language course

Social constructivist perspectives: interaction, collaboration

School of foreign languages: English (as a foreign language); undergraduate sophomores

Attend lectures, virtual tours; participate in small group discussion and one-on-one interviews with an American partner

Explore the benefits and problems with Second Life in the classroom, how to adopt virtual world technology, and how to effectively use virtual worlds in a learning environment

Active Learning

Main study: Computer and Information sciences: computers and creativity; introductory undergraduate

Build scripted objects in Second Life to study the effects of 3D programming and to compare Linden scripting language with other scripting languages

Develop an understanding of how to effectively use Second Life for instructional purposes

Determine if and how virtual worlds can be leveraged as a learning environment

Constructivist principles

English: world literature and visual and verbal rhetoric (undergraduate freshman, two-semester course)

Teaching: (three courses) science project, introduction to pedagogy, and advanced pedagogy; graduate level (master’s)

Semester 1: Build a campus in Second Life; Semester 2: Role play a selected leadership model

Explore, document, and share Second Life sites used for science related instruction

Investigate Second Life affordances as a learning environment

Problem-based learning; constructionism

Interactive learning environments

Build an interactive learning experience using Second Life for vocational type projects

Constructionism

Information systems: business processes and software development

Create a supply chain simulation; Create an in-world lecture hall with supporting tools

Determine if students followed the presented design principles and what were the student learning outcomes

Collaborative, studentcentered, activity-based

Technology course; undergraduate and graduate level students

Create 3D objects within a virtual space and conduct an art exhibition to showcase the virtual space

Social constructivist: presence pedagogy

School of computer engineering: shape modeling

Multiple courses; graduate level, K-12 educators

Create objects using shape modeling functions

Activities using help seeking, communication, and collaboration