0365A Using Virtual Environments in Teaching and Learning

Explore virtual environments and the unique opportunities they provide for online teaching and learning. Learn principles of instruction for virtual worlds and investigate conditions for and assessment of learning in virtual worlds.

Course goals:

Define types of virtual environments
Recognize unique aspects of virtual environments that influence and impact teaching and learning
Analyze the characteristics of virtual environments that motivate and support learning
Identify methods to assess learning in virtual environments

Through exploration activities, readings, case study examples, and course discussions you'll investigate the pedagogy behind using virtual environments as an instructional option.

[Note: Coursework will take place in an online virtual environment (such as Second Life or SceneCaster) and via asynchronous online discussions and journal postings in the Learn@UW course management system. Students must be able to set-up an account in a virtual environment and participate in an online virtual world tour or sample lesson as part of the 0365A course activities. Instructions on how to access the virtual environment activities will be provided in Week 1 of class.]