An Exploration of the Use of Games in Virtual Worlds for Online Education

Garcia-Murillo, Martha; MacInnes, Ian

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/15096 Copy

Description

Title

An Exploration of the Use of Games in Virtual Worlds for Online Education

Author(s)

• Garcia-Murillo, Martha
• MacInnes, Ian

Issue Date

2008-02-28

Keyword(s)

• on-line education
• virtual worlds
• Gee's learning principles

Abstract

Advances in computing and telecommunications make it possible to take advantage of immersive electronic environments to deliver content. In this paper we present a policy game to be used in a virtual world. The benefits of this tool are examined using Gee’s learning principles. From this analysis we find that games in virtual worlds enable reflective exploration that helps participants to learn from their mistakes. Learning takes place from the content conveyed through the game and through the multimedia immersion that allows students to learn the nuances of these virtual contexts. Because there are no real world consequences, participants can take risks, provide or receive help from other students and, most importantly, apply this knowledge to a real world situation. Recommendations are provided to educators to help them exploit the great potential of games while being prepared for the obstacles that they will face.

Type of Resource

text

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http://hdl.handle.net/2142/15096

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