Managing 3D Multi User Learning Environments - A Case Study on Training Disaster Management

Authors

  • Indika Perera University of St Andrews
  • Colin Allison University of St Andrews
  • O. Ajinomoh University of St Andrews
  • Alan Miller University of St Andrews

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v7i3.2046

Keywords:

3D MULE, Learning Environment Management, Policy Considerations, User Guidance

Abstract


3D Multi User Virtual Environments (3D MUVE), or commonly known as 3D virtual worlds, have shown proven success in enhancing the present teaching and learner support methodologies. Integrated educational environments that are formed using 3D MUVE can be referred as 3D Multi User Learning Environments (3D MULE). The intrinsic rich and dynamic features of 3D virtual worlds can sufficiently increase the student engagement with the learning tasks in 3D MULE. However, with the facilitation for diverse learning activities, 3D MULE can introduce a new set of challenges for the teachers and students; therefore, suitable management strategies for 3D MULE can be essential for success. In this research, we have proposed a framework for managing 3D MULE using policy considerations and a guidance tool to facilitate policy implementations. This paper presents the evaluation of the proposed strategies for making policy considerations to manage 3D MULE and the developed user guidance tool. To increase the accuracy while evaluating for real educational uses, we selected a teaching and training environment in use as the case study. This case study, a 3D MULE supported learning aid for humanitarian disaster management, provided valuable and supportive feedback to validate the completed work while shaping the orientation of the future research on facilitating 3D MULE management.

Author Biographies

Indika Perera, University of St Andrews

PhD Student, School of Computer Science

Colin Allison, University of St Andrews

Reader, School of Computer Science

O. Ajinomoh, University of St Andrews

Research Assistant, School of Management

Alan Miller, University of St Andrews

Lecturer, School of Computer Science

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Published

2012-09-10

How to Cite

Perera, I., Allison, C., Ajinomoh, O., & Miller, A. (2012). Managing 3D Multi User Learning Environments - A Case Study on Training Disaster Management. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 7(3), pp. 25–34. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v7i3.2046

Issue

Section

Papers