Seeing Avatar brought to mind how rapidly 3D technology is evolving and how it might be used effectively in training. Take a look at the new book: Learning in 3D by Karl Kapp and Tony O’Driscol. I have not read the book but attended a great webinar by Karl on use of virtual worlds for training. As with all new technologies, we will use and abuse virtual worlds until we figure out where it really makes sense. A lot of research on visuals suggests that less is more and I suspect that many virtual world applications can add mental load for no good learning advantage.
Are you using virtual worlds? How’s it going?
Since you haven’t signed your blog I am not sure if this is you Dr. Clark? We are just beginning to use virtual worlds for learning and collaboration now. I agree with that we need to evaluate the potential for cognitive overload in 3D virtual environments but these environments are evolving into a very exciting instructional technology.
They offer an opportunity to do research on social cognitive theory (Bandura & Vygotsky) because the interactions are true social interactions, live in a simulated learning environment. There are possibilities to immerse people into social learning interactions only possible in real life. In fact if you want to put a team into a real life complex situation and allow them to learn as a team, such as an emergency safety situation or an earthquake response team, virtual worlds allow for this type of learning. Live virtual worlds provide for design of action learning (Revans) and reflective dialogue following a learning event.
Hi Brian – OK – I did not know I needed to sign a blog (new to social networks) but will do so from now on.
I’m very interested to learn what you find in your research. Yes, I agree that your suggestions on team learning in VW really make sense.
Heard Tony O’Driscoll speak at the Training 2010 conference and bought the book. See my latest post. Please keep us posted.
Thank you! I added this page to bookmark)) I think would be useful …
Nice post. Thanks for the interesting information!