Face to face with the white rabbit - sharing ideas in Second Life

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Rive ◽  
M. Billinghurst ◽  
A. Thomassen ◽  
M. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Second Life ◽  
Face To Face

scholarly journals Second Life as a research environment: avatar-based focus groups (AFG)

2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 101-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman Gadalla ◽  
Ibrahim Abosag ◽  
Kathy Keeling
Keyword(s):  
Focus Groups ◽  
Data Quality ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Marketing Research ◽  
Two Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages

Purpose – This study aims to examine the nature and the potential use of avatar-based focus groups (AFGs) (i.e. focus groups conducted in three-dimensional [3D] virtual worlds [VWs]) as compared to face-to-face and online focus groups (OFGs), motivated by the ability of VWs to stimulate the realism of physical places. Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in using 3D VWs as a research tool. Design/methodology/approach – Using a two-phase reflective approach, data were collected first by using traditional face-to-face focus groups, followed by AFGs. In Phase 2, an online, semi-structured survey provided comparison data and experiences in AFGs, two-dimensional OFGs and traditional face-to-face focus groups. Findings – The findings identify the advantages and disadvantages of AFGs for marketing research. There is no evident difference in data quality between the results of AFGs and face-to-face focus groups. AFG compensates for some of the serious limitations associated with OFGs. Practical implications – The paper reflects on three issues, data quality, conduct of AFGs (including the moderator reflection) and participant experience, that together inform one’s understanding of the characteristics, advantages and limitations of AFG. Originality/value – This is the first paper to compare between AFGs, traditional face-to-face focus groups and OFGs. AFG holds many advantages over OFGs and even, sometimes, over face-to-face focus groups, providing a suitable environment for researchers to collect data.

Theatre in Second Life® Holds the VR Mirror up to Nature

2011 ◽  
pp. 376-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen A. Schrum
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Computer Mediated Communication ◽  
Mediated Communication ◽  
Creative People ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Computer Mediated ◽  
Physical Presence ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Definition Of

As creative people inhabit virtual worlds, they bring their ideas for art and performance with them into these brave new worlds. While at first glance, virtual performance may have the outward trappings of theatre, some believe they don’t adhere to the basic traditional definition of theatre: the interaction between an actor and an audience. Detractors suggest that physical presence is required for such an interaction to take place. However, studies have shown that computer mediated communication (CMC) can be as real as face-to-face communication, where emotional response is concerned. Armed with this information, the author can examine how performance in a virtual world such as Second Life may indeed be like “real” theatre, what the possibilities for future virtual performance are, and may require that we redefine theatre for online performance venues.

scholarly journals 3D Interactions between Virtual Worlds and Real Life in an E-Learning Community

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Lucke ◽  
Raphael Zender
Keyword(s):  
Learning Community ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Real World ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Scenarios

Virtual worlds became an appealing and fascinating component of today's internet. In particular, the number of educational providers that see a potential for E-Learning in such new platforms increases. Unfortunately, most of the environments and processes implemented up to now do not exceed a virtual modelling of real-world scenarios. In particular, this paper shows that Second Life can be more than just another learning platform. A flexible and bidirectional link between the reality and the virtual world enables synchronous and seamless interaction between users and devices across both worlds. The primary advantages of this interconnection are a spatial extension of face-to-face and online learning scenarios and a closer relationship between virtual learners and the real world.

Empirical Comparison of 3-D Virtual World and Face-to-Face Classroom for Higher Education

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 30-49 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaofeng Chen ◽  
Keng Siau ◽  
Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Instructional Strategy ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Perceived Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Face To Face Learning

Many higher education institutions have set up virtual classrooms in the 3-D virtual world. In this research, the authors assess the relative effectiveness of a 3-D virtual world learning environment, Second Life, compared to traditional face-to-face learning environment. They also assess the effects of instructional strategies in these two learning environments on interactivity, perceived learning, and satisfaction. The authors’ findings suggest that learning environment interacts with instructional strategy to affect the learners’ perceived learning and satisfaction. Specifically, when interactive instructional strategy is used, there is no significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction between the 3-D virtual world and face-to-face learning environment. However, when a direct instructional strategy is used, there is a significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction. They also assessed whether or not technology helps increase learner and instructor interaction. The result suggests that in interactive instructional sessions, students experienced a higher level of classroom interactivity in Second Life than in face-to-face classroom.

Virtual Tutor Training

2013 ◽  
pp. 51-67
Author(s):  
Lee L. Mason ◽  
Tae Jeon ◽  
Peter Blair ◽  
Nancy Glomb
Keyword(s):  
Effective Teaching ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Teaching Behaviors ◽  
Poor Reading ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Specific Teaching ◽  
Face To Face Instruction ◽  
Study Participants

In this study, the experiences and beliefs of volunteer tutors using a multi-user virtual environment to teach literacy instruction are examined to get a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of learning within this environment. Literacy tutors who were teaching adults with poor reading skills served as participants. During the study, participants delivered direct instruction reading lessons to researchers in Second Life and adult learners during live face-to-face tutoring sessions. Immediately following each session in Second Life, tutors were provided with corrective feedback on specific teaching behaviors. Data on rate of acquisition and generalization from the virtual environment to the natural environment was collected for each participant. At the conclusion of the study, tutors were asked to describe their experiences of learning to teach in a multi-user virtual environment. Results indicate that effective teaching behaviors trained in a virtual environment generalize to face-to-face instruction. However, tutors tended to disagree with the researchers’ perceptions of what constitutes effective teaching practices.

A Cross Case Analysis of Two Out-of-School Programs Based on Virtual Worlds

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constance Steinkuehler ◽  
Esra Alagoz ◽  
Elizabeth King ◽  
Crystle Martin
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Case Analysis ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
School Programs ◽  
Virtual Platform ◽  
Cross Case Analysis ◽  
Out Of School

There is renewed interest in out-of-school programs for informal learning as a way to complement or supplement formal classrooms. Compelling evidence of learning in the context of virtual worlds is emerging, but few empirically detailed comparisons of programs based on such technologies exist. This article presents a cross-case analysis conducted on two out-of-school programs based on virtual environments involving Global Kid’s “I Dig Science” situated in the virtual platform Teen Second Life and Games, Learning & Society Program’s “Casual Learning Lab” based on the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft. Ethnographic methods were used for data collection across both in-game and face-to-face contexts at both sites with virtual and face-to-face data collection techniques used in combination. Analysis involved a code set of eleven a priori themes based on the shared goals of each program, resulting in 44 codes total. In this paper, the authors detail contrasts between the two programs in terms of argumentation, problem-solving, information literacy, and workplace skills, highlighting differences between the two programs in terms of their contrasting “locus of intentionality” (designer versus participant) and concluding with a set of “petite generalizations” in the form of design heuristics for future virtual worlds based programs.

Learning as Immersive Experience

2011 ◽  
pp. 15-30
Author(s):  
Sara de Freitas ◽  
Ian Dunwell ◽  
Genaro Rebolledo-Mendez
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Serious Games ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Learning Experience ◽  
Technology Enhanced Learning ◽  
Online Learners ◽  
Immersive Learning ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
The Uk

As virtual worlds come of age, their potential for applications supporting teaching and learning is becoming increasingly recognised. This chapter outlines a transition of learning, centring on the uptake of new tools for supporting Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in universities and colleges. In particular, the use of technologies such as virtual worlds is increasing the pedagogic toolkit of teachers and tutors, providing unique opportunities to support and enhance teaching and learning. In particular, the use of virtual worlds to reach remote, distance, and online learners is creating new opportunities for face-to-face engagement and motivation with difficult-to-reach groups. To evidence and explore this potential, this chapter documents the main findings from several studies which focus upon defining and examining the key components which contribute towards the efficacy of an ‘immersive learning experience’. This includes the main findings of the UK JISC-funded MyPlan project, wherein Second Life, a desktop virtual world, was used to support career decisions and educational choices among two groups of learners, the first from a college and the second from a university. These findings are compared to those arising from the UK Technology Strategy Board-funded Serious Games: Engaging Training Solutions (SG-ETS) project, which sought to develop and assess three high-fidelity serious games. The chapter focuses upon four specific components of virtual worlds and immersive learning techniques: personalisation through learner modelling, integrative feedback, intrinsic motivational quality, and what the authors term ‘social interactive learning’. These four criteria are discussed with respect to the study, providing a basis for future ongoing studies that explore the efficacy of immersive virtual worlds as an alternative for, and supplement to, traditional learning environments.

Learning together apart: Distance education in a virtual world

First Monday ◽  
2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim Holmberg ◽  
Isto Huvila
Keyword(s):  
Distance Education ◽  
Learning Environment ◽  
Learning Outcomes ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Lower Threshold ◽  
Traditional Methods ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Information Studies ◽  
Learning Together

A course in information studies was partly held in the virtual world of Second Life. Second Life was used as a platform to deliver lectures and as a place for organizing group assignments and having discussions. Students' opinions about Second Life were studied and compared to their opinions about more traditional methods in education. The results show a lower threshold for participation in lectures. According to the students, Second Life should not replace face-to-face education, but it could serve as an excellent addition to other more traditional methods and platforms used in education. The students also considered that lectures held in Second Life were much more "fun" than those using other methods. This particular aspect, and its effect on learning outcomes, requires further research. This research demonstrates that Second Life has potential as a learning environment in distance education.

Virtual Tutor Training

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee L. Mason ◽  
Tae Jeon ◽  
Peter Blair ◽  
Nancy Glomb
Keyword(s):  
Effective Teaching ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Corrective Feedback ◽  
Teaching Behaviors ◽  
Poor Reading ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Specific Teaching ◽  
Face To Face Instruction ◽  
Study Participants

In this study, the experiences and beliefs of volunteer tutors using a multi-user virtual environment to teach literacy instruction are examined to get a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of learning within this environment. Literacy tutors who were teaching adults with poor reading skills served as participants. During the study, participants delivered direct instruction reading lessons to researchers in Second Life and adult learners during live face-to-face tutoring sessions. Immediately following each session in Second Life, tutors were provided with corrective feedback on specific teaching behaviors. Data on rate of acquisition and generalization from the virtual environment to the natural environment was collected for each participant. At the conclusion of the study, tutors were asked to describe their experiences of learning to teach in a multi-user virtual environment. Results indicate that effective teaching behaviors trained in a virtual environment generalize to face-to-face instruction. However, tutors tended to disagree with the researchers’ perceptions of what constitutes effective teaching practices.

scholarly journals Design in a Virtual Innovation Ecology: A Cybernetic Systems Approach to Knowledge Creation and Design Collaboration in Second Life

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Peter Bryan Rive
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Knowledge Creation ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Substantial Contribution ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Design Collaboration ◽  
Design Innovation

<p>Design innovation makes a substantial contribution to the global economy, however there is a challenge to modern design praxis as design teams face difficulties when it comes to collaborators who are geographically distributed and unable to easily meet face to face in a physical context. This research undertook to interpret the knowledge creation life cycle of design innovation, and adopted a second-order cybernetic approach to describe the design process in the virtual world Second Life (SL). The researcher applied a cyber-ethnographic methodology to collect a bricolage of evidence in SL including observations; interviews; blogs; surveys; and conversations ‘in-world’. The research considered three case studies of groups in SL: Sloodlers, Studio Wikiitecture, and Design 2029 – The End Game. Three models were proposed to help describe cybernetic regulation of the design innovation ecology in SL: the spectrum of fidelity; indosymbiosis; and Lessig’s four modalities of cybernetic knowledge regulation. The first two of these were developed specifically for this research. In addition, a design innovation organism or ‘inogism’ was proposed using a biological metaphor to describe the design innovation ecology in SL. The primary research question considered how Lessig’s four modes of architecture, the law, the market, and norms all interact to affect the design ecology within SL. The secondary research questions considered how tacit knowledge creation and design collaboration could be inhibited or enabled through simulated face-to-face meetings. This research describes how the virtual ecology of SL can enable tacit knowledge creation and design collaboration and therefore contribute towards improved design innovation. It also suggests future research opportunities that could assist innovative design outcomes in other virtual worlds.</p>

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