Professor Martha Garcia-Murillo likes teaching lessons through hands-on projects and group work. But in teaching courses online in an asynchronous learning environmeng, she found it difficult to have a rich interaction with her students in this way. So she ventured into the virtual world and gaming.
In her information policy class, she created a game in the children's virtual world of Habbo Hotel. She assigned a certain role to each student, ranging from a state governor and a university chancellor to a director at AT&T and a marketing professional. Each had to develop their position on a given piece of legislation such as the Spy Act and then argue and negotiate their position in order to pass the legislation.
Through this exercise, she discovered that the virtual world allowed students to learn in a variety of styles and approach the subject matter in a more pleasing manner to them. This forum also encouraged to be risk-takers in a safe environment. Students commented that they were more aggressive in their defense of their position and were less intimidated by their peers in the virtual world.
They also liked the challenge of having to "learn on their feet" in this fast-paced virtual world.
Based on her initial results, Garcia-Murillo said this seemed to be an effective way to increase interaction of online students while still getting the course content across. One downside, however, was the time and energy it took her to develop the game and policymaking scenario, the space, and the instructions for students.
In her information policy class, she created a game in the children's virtual world of Habbo Hotel. She assigned a certain role to each student, ranging from a state governor and a university chancellor to a director at AT&T and a marketing professional. Each had to develop their position on a given piece of legislation such as the Spy Act and then argue and negotiate their position in order to pass the legislation.
Through this exercise, she discovered that the virtual world allowed students to learn in a variety of styles and approach the subject matter in a more pleasing manner to them. This forum also encouraged to be risk-takers in a safe environment. Students commented that they were more aggressive in their defense of their position and were less intimidated by their peers in the virtual world.
They also liked the challenge of having to "learn on their feet" in this fast-paced virtual world.
Based on her initial results, Garcia-Murillo said this seemed to be an effective way to increase interaction of online students while still getting the course content across. One downside, however, was the time and energy it took her to develop the game and policymaking scenario, the space, and the instructions for students.
1 comment:
Hello
I go through the post it seems something interesting and generate interest to know more about virtual classes online..
I dont have knowledge regarding this..Um eargerly waiting for your next post on virtual classes online.. I want to know more so help me please..
Thanks
Rone from study english london
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