Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reco... more Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reconceptualization of the teaching of a library science course at Appalachian State University. The pedagogy of Action Learning coupled with a 3D virtual learning environment immerses students in a social constructivist learning space that incorporates and supports interaction and reflection. The intent of this study was to build a bridge between theory and practice by providing students with a tool set that promoted personal and social reflection, ...
Allow me to start by stating that I use the World Wide Web every day. I have answered hundreds of... more Allow me to start by stating that I use the World Wide Web every day. I have answered hundreds of reference questions, which might have gone unanswered prior to having access to the Web. As a high school media specialist, I use the Web to supplement what I have in my print collection. While we have a large and balanced collection, there are naturally certain types of information that I cannot keep up-to-date.
Abstract Interaction, particularly in the form of communication or collaboration between students... more Abstract Interaction, particularly in the form of communication or collaboration between students, is a vital component in any online instructional environment. Symbolic Interactionists have long supported the theory that our definition of the world around us, and subsequently our knowledge and understanding of that world, emerges out of the interactions that take place between individuals and groups.
Abstract: The development of online opportunities for distance education is an important priority... more Abstract: The development of online opportunities for distance education is an important priority in higher education. At Appalachian State University, the principles of social constructivism inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D immersive virtual worlds support deep learning and can help learners make meaning in ways similar to those used outside of virtual environments.
Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult ... more Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult decisions regarding how the world will look and feel. However, the most difficult aspect of building a virtual world has less to do with the building of the virtual spaces and more to do the conceptualisation of how teaching and learning will occur in this new type of environment.
Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reco... more Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reconceptualization of the teaching of a library science course at Appalachian State University. The pedagogy of Action Learning coupled with a 3D virtual learning environment immerses students in a social constructivist learning space that incorporates and supports interaction and reflection.
Abstract The use of 3D virtual environments is an area of growing interest and importance for hig... more Abstract The use of 3D virtual environments is an area of growing interest and importance for higher education. At Appalachian State University, the principles of social constructivism inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D immersive virtual worlds support the formation of learning communities and group construction of knowledge.
Abstract This paper documents two graduate students' reactions to and comments about their involv... more Abstract This paper documents two graduate students' reactions to and comments about their involvement in an Action Learning project conducted predominantly through their use of Active Worlds, a 3D immersive learning environment.
ABSTRACT Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make d... more ABSTRACT Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult decisions regarding how the world will look and feel. However, the most difficult aspect of building a virtual world has less to do with the building of the virtual spaces and more to do the conceptualization of how teaching and learning will occur in this new type of environment.
Abstract The STEM-ICT 3D Experience is an NSF-sponsored ITEST project (# 0833552) exploring the r... more Abstract The STEM-ICT 3D Experience is an NSF-sponsored ITEST project (# 0833552) exploring the role of three-dimensional virtual worlds for teaching seventh grade students STEM discipline topics. This project is led by a consortium of universities and works across two states and four counties to instruct seventh grade teachers in the effective deployment of virtual worlds.
Abstract Virtual worlds are distinguishable from other online spaces by their unique visual and d... more Abstract Virtual worlds are distinguishable from other online spaces by their unique visual and dimensional characteristics. Virtual worlds do not merely consist of words on a screen to describe that world; rather, these worlds are rendered through 3D metaphorical representations of actual spaces and scenes designed to support exploration, interaction, teaching, and learning.
Abstract In our efforts to infuse technology into the delivery of the school administration progr... more Abstract In our efforts to infuse technology into the delivery of the school administration program, we must recognize the barriers to integration our own students will likely face and subsequently choose strategies to assist them in anticipating and overcoming these barriers in the context of shifting organizational paradigms. Barriers often identified in the research include, absence of vision, lack of time, inadequate access, insufficient technical support, and the" so what?" factor.
ABSTRACT The principles of social constructivism, central to our conceptual framework, inform our... more ABSTRACT The principles of social constructivism, central to our conceptual framework, inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D virtual worlds support deep learning and can help learners make meaning in ways similar to those used outside of virtual environments. Virtual worlds such as AET Zone offer participants a sense of presence, immediacy, movement, artifacts, and communications unavailable within traditional Internet-based learning environments.
Abstract This paper uses Symbolic Interactionism as a lens to explore the interactions between st... more Abstract This paper uses Symbolic Interactionism as a lens to explore the interactions between students who collaborated with a city planning organization and other agencies to propose solutions for a traffic problem. The research question was, How is collaboration accomplished in an electronic mediated environment? Using qualitative methodology, a description was developed of how the actors interacted and collaborated and how community and culture formed from these collaborations.
There is a general lack of cross-course and cross-programme dialogue in US colleges of education.... more There is a general lack of cross-course and cross-programme dialogue in US colleges of education. Few, if any, opportunities are provided to engage graduate students in authentic dialogue about real school problems and issues.
As educators, we must find ways to incorporate critical theory into courses as a means to counter... more As educators, we must find ways to incorporate critical theory into courses as a means to counterbalance the onslaught of advertising rhetoric extolling the supposed virtues of instructional technologies. While I am an avid user and ardent supporter of instructional technology, I am concerned that my graduate students are unaware of the potential negative consequences of adopting a new technology without a critical assessment of its worth and usefulness.
Although changes have taken place, today's classrooms are still too closed and homogenous to prov... more Although changes have taken place, today's classrooms are still too closed and homogenous to provide students with a global perspective. Distance learning technologies afford one way in which educators can offer students the opportunity to engage in multiregional, multinational, and multicultural collaboration on a global scale.
Abstract: The symposium focuses on curriculum and pedagogical issues surrounding the efforts of u... more Abstract: The symposium focuses on curriculum and pedagogical issues surrounding the efforts of university faculty to transform, through technology infusion, a traditional graduate-level school administration program. Cognizant of the need to produce school administrators with comprehensive visions of technology leadership, faculty members delineate their commitment to modeling the knowledge and practice of school leadership. The focus is on two major areas of professional and programmatic improvement.
Abstract: Facilitating the building of learning communities through web-based environments is a v... more Abstract: Facilitating the building of learning communities through web-based environments is a viable distance learning strategy leading to the cross-disciplinary social construction of knowledge. Shared case study briefs and an analysis of student discourse reveal knowledge base enhancement for cooperative solutions to real educational problems.
Abstract Faculty in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State Uni... more Abstract Faculty in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State University have utilized AETZone, a 3D virtual world to deliver graduate coursework for the past nine years. Instruction has been guided by the Reich College of Education's social constructivist conceptual framework, resulting in a learning environment that emphasizes the social construction of knowledge through interaction with others within virtual communities of practice.
Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reco... more Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reconceptualization of the teaching of a library science course at Appalachian State University. The pedagogy of Action Learning coupled with a 3D virtual learning environment immerses students in a social constructivist learning space that incorporates and supports interaction and reflection. The intent of this study was to build a bridge between theory and practice by providing students with a tool set that promoted personal and social reflection, ...
Allow me to start by stating that I use the World Wide Web every day. I have answered hundreds of... more Allow me to start by stating that I use the World Wide Web every day. I have answered hundreds of reference questions, which might have gone unanswered prior to having access to the Web. As a high school media specialist, I use the Web to supplement what I have in my print collection. While we have a large and balanced collection, there are naturally certain types of information that I cannot keep up-to-date.
Abstract Interaction, particularly in the form of communication or collaboration between students... more Abstract Interaction, particularly in the form of communication or collaboration between students, is a vital component in any online instructional environment. Symbolic Interactionists have long supported the theory that our definition of the world around us, and subsequently our knowledge and understanding of that world, emerges out of the interactions that take place between individuals and groups.
Abstract: The development of online opportunities for distance education is an important priority... more Abstract: The development of online opportunities for distance education is an important priority in higher education. At Appalachian State University, the principles of social constructivism inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D immersive virtual worlds support deep learning and can help learners make meaning in ways similar to those used outside of virtual environments.
Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult ... more Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult decisions regarding how the world will look and feel. However, the most difficult aspect of building a virtual world has less to do with the building of the virtual spaces and more to do the conceptualisation of how teaching and learning will occur in this new type of environment.
Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reco... more Abstract—An international cooperation between educators in Australia and the US has led to a reconceptualization of the teaching of a library science course at Appalachian State University. The pedagogy of Action Learning coupled with a 3D virtual learning environment immerses students in a social constructivist learning space that incorporates and supports interaction and reflection.
Abstract The use of 3D virtual environments is an area of growing interest and importance for hig... more Abstract The use of 3D virtual environments is an area of growing interest and importance for higher education. At Appalachian State University, the principles of social constructivism inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D immersive virtual worlds support the formation of learning communities and group construction of knowledge.
Abstract This paper documents two graduate students' reactions to and comments about their involv... more Abstract This paper documents two graduate students' reactions to and comments about their involvement in an Action Learning project conducted predominantly through their use of Active Worlds, a 3D immersive learning environment.
ABSTRACT Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make d... more ABSTRACT Constructing a virtual world requires certain technical skills and the ability to make difficult decisions regarding how the world will look and feel. However, the most difficult aspect of building a virtual world has less to do with the building of the virtual spaces and more to do the conceptualization of how teaching and learning will occur in this new type of environment.
Abstract The STEM-ICT 3D Experience is an NSF-sponsored ITEST project (# 0833552) exploring the r... more Abstract The STEM-ICT 3D Experience is an NSF-sponsored ITEST project (# 0833552) exploring the role of three-dimensional virtual worlds for teaching seventh grade students STEM discipline topics. This project is led by a consortium of universities and works across two states and four counties to instruct seventh grade teachers in the effective deployment of virtual worlds.
Abstract Virtual worlds are distinguishable from other online spaces by their unique visual and d... more Abstract Virtual worlds are distinguishable from other online spaces by their unique visual and dimensional characteristics. Virtual worlds do not merely consist of words on a screen to describe that world; rather, these worlds are rendered through 3D metaphorical representations of actual spaces and scenes designed to support exploration, interaction, teaching, and learning.
Abstract In our efforts to infuse technology into the delivery of the school administration progr... more Abstract In our efforts to infuse technology into the delivery of the school administration program, we must recognize the barriers to integration our own students will likely face and subsequently choose strategies to assist them in anticipating and overcoming these barriers in the context of shifting organizational paradigms. Barriers often identified in the research include, absence of vision, lack of time, inadequate access, insufficient technical support, and the" so what?" factor.
ABSTRACT The principles of social constructivism, central to our conceptual framework, inform our... more ABSTRACT The principles of social constructivism, central to our conceptual framework, inform our thinking as we construct teaching and learning environments. Our experience suggests 3D virtual worlds support deep learning and can help learners make meaning in ways similar to those used outside of virtual environments. Virtual worlds such as AET Zone offer participants a sense of presence, immediacy, movement, artifacts, and communications unavailable within traditional Internet-based learning environments.
Abstract This paper uses Symbolic Interactionism as a lens to explore the interactions between st... more Abstract This paper uses Symbolic Interactionism as a lens to explore the interactions between students who collaborated with a city planning organization and other agencies to propose solutions for a traffic problem. The research question was, How is collaboration accomplished in an electronic mediated environment? Using qualitative methodology, a description was developed of how the actors interacted and collaborated and how community and culture formed from these collaborations.
There is a general lack of cross-course and cross-programme dialogue in US colleges of education.... more There is a general lack of cross-course and cross-programme dialogue in US colleges of education. Few, if any, opportunities are provided to engage graduate students in authentic dialogue about real school problems and issues.
As educators, we must find ways to incorporate critical theory into courses as a means to counter... more As educators, we must find ways to incorporate critical theory into courses as a means to counterbalance the onslaught of advertising rhetoric extolling the supposed virtues of instructional technologies. While I am an avid user and ardent supporter of instructional technology, I am concerned that my graduate students are unaware of the potential negative consequences of adopting a new technology without a critical assessment of its worth and usefulness.
Although changes have taken place, today's classrooms are still too closed and homogenous to prov... more Although changes have taken place, today's classrooms are still too closed and homogenous to provide students with a global perspective. Distance learning technologies afford one way in which educators can offer students the opportunity to engage in multiregional, multinational, and multicultural collaboration on a global scale.
Abstract: The symposium focuses on curriculum and pedagogical issues surrounding the efforts of u... more Abstract: The symposium focuses on curriculum and pedagogical issues surrounding the efforts of university faculty to transform, through technology infusion, a traditional graduate-level school administration program. Cognizant of the need to produce school administrators with comprehensive visions of technology leadership, faculty members delineate their commitment to modeling the knowledge and practice of school leadership. The focus is on two major areas of professional and programmatic improvement.
Abstract: Facilitating the building of learning communities through web-based environments is a v... more Abstract: Facilitating the building of learning communities through web-based environments is a viable distance learning strategy leading to the cross-disciplinary social construction of knowledge. Shared case study briefs and an analysis of student discourse reveal knowledge base enhancement for cooperative solutions to real educational problems.
Abstract Faculty in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State Uni... more Abstract Faculty in the Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State University have utilized AETZone, a 3D virtual world to deliver graduate coursework for the past nine years. Instruction has been guided by the Reich College of Education's social constructivist conceptual framework, resulting in a learning environment that emphasizes the social construction of knowledge through interaction with others within virtual communities of practice.
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