Problem-based learning Problem-based learning in immersive virtual worlds
Professor Maggi Savin-Baden, Coventry Universityhttp://www.elu.sgul.ac.uk/preview
Problem-based Learning in Virtual Interactive Educational Worlds
Aim: To develop the use of Problem-based Learning in Second Life.
How?Create and deliver problem-based learning scenarios, facilitation strategies and guidance materials; and evaluate their impact on users.
Why?To improve flexible modes of collaborative learning.
Who? Paramedics, Health and Social Care management, foundation, undergraduate, postgraduate, distance and face-to-face courses
Problem-based Learning
1. Organize curricular content around problem scenarios rather than subjects or disciplines
2. Students work in teams to manage these situations but are not expected to acquire a predetermined series of ‘right answers’
3. They decide what information they need to learn in order to manage the situation effectively
There are diverse types of problem-based learning
• Face-to Face
• PBLonline
• PBL in Immersive Virtual Worlds
Different models and modes of PBL
• McMaster model• Maastricht 7 steps• 5 Models• 8 Modes• Problem-a-day
For example
Background
• Problem-based learning courses• Students in work placementoAt a distance;oTime poor;oLoses collaborative element.
• Investigate new ways to deliver PBL
The scenarios
• Information-driven (IDS) : Scenarios are presented through multiple interactive screens in SL. These screens will output text, images, sound and video footage as necessary. The information on display will change depending on the students’ decisions.
• Avatar-driven (ADS) : set in the appropriate surroundings (e.g. at the patient’s home, in the hospital ward) and the patient is represented by a non-player character (NPC). Information would be given by the NPC and the students would then discuss how to proceed. Allows for more complexity than IDS.
User Led
• User needs analysis• Systems Acceptance
– With tutors
• Testing days– Training
• Evaluation– chat logs and in world video– observations and focus groups
Paramedic Scenarios
Clinical Manager Scenarios
New for Learning in Higher Education
• Chat bots • Machinima• Holodecks• PBL in IVWs
Evaluation
• Key questions:o Does this environment engage?o Do the learners have an identity?o Promote collaboration?o What are the tutors experiences?o What are the ‘costs’ of using SL for this method of
teaching?
The future
• Research: Leverhulme Trust
• Development funding: JISC
• Sharing and collaboration