3 d web-based worlds for instruction.docVIP

3D Web-Based Worlds for Instruction John H. Tashner, EdD Department of leadership and Educational Studies Appalachian State University USA Email: tashnerjh@ Stephen C. Bronack, PhD Department of leadership and Educational Studies Appalachian State University USA Email: bronacksc@ Richard E. Riedl, PhD Department of leadership and Educational Studies Appalachian State University USA Email: riedlre@ Abstract: The instructional technology faculty at Appalachian State University has developed its graduate program courses within a 3D world. Based upon an Active World server and a social constructivist philosophy, each course is designed to take place in different 3D scenes, such as a frontier town, a park, or Roman palace. A library for distance education students has been developed as a part of the world. Each participant in the world is represented by an avatar, which is moved throughout the scene by keyboard commands. Active web links and other resources are available with hyperlinked objects. Learning communities develop as small and large groups form to consider, reflect and complete various tasks and assignments. Both linear and non-linear activities are provided for individuals and groups. Several forms of individual and group communication tools are provided to enhance student to student and student to professor contacts. Introduction Current literature cites a significant movement of traditional course instruction into web-based learning environments. A close examination of such reports suggests an underlying assumption that traditional classroom instruction can be transferred mostly intact to the web. For instance, commercial shell programs such as BlackBoard and WebCT allow information to be distributed at a distance to students who then demonstrate in various ways that they have acquired knowledge. This is like early movies that were conventional stage plays captured on film. Conventional distance education instruction remains learner and organization focuse