S. Clark and M.L. Maher
Virtual learning environment, place, design, constructivism, collaboration
This paper reports on an exploratory study of the role of place and evidence of its effect on the activities, discourse, and learning of design students in a 3D virtual learning environment that encourages collaboration and constructivism. Using an immersive 3D Virtual World based on Active Worlds, we created a virtual learning place for students enrolled in a website design course. The virtual learning place consists of two distinct areas: a classroom-like place surrounded by student galleries. Students can navigate and communicate (synchronous chat) within the environment in the form of an avatar (virtual person). We recorded the conversations and activities of the students in discussions held in the virtual learning place and applied a communication coding scheme to analyse their discussions. In this paper we show how we identified the characteristics of place and specifically how it provides a context for identity and presence for supporting collaborative and constructivist student-centred learning.
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