Comments on: Thoughts on Learning in 3D- Virtual book Tour

By: Nevin

Nevin — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 10:33:13 +0000

Hi Tom,

Thanks for such a wonderful post here,I agree with you and this book will also expand my understanding of these areas and tools to apply to learning in 3D.It creates real environment for learning in virtual world.
Your post is really helpful for my learning experience. (3D Learning Experience)

Thanks
Online E-learning Software & Script

By: Brian Miller

Brian Miller — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 13:49:20 +0000

Interesting comments and let me say that you are not the only skeptic. The introduction to this learning technology is not much different then what we have gone through and continue to go through with introducing elearning, specifically elearning that addresses higher level cognitive and emotional learning objectives. For a bit more on scaffolding in virtual, you might want to look up this article. Jimenez, Angelica, and Brunny T. Pantoja. "Scaffolding Tutoring Strategy on Virtual Environements for Training." Revista Chilena de Ingeniera 16.2 (2008): 220-30. Print. The authors state that,

By: Karl Kapp

Karl Kapp — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:37:54 +0000

Barry, Luke and Tom,

Thank you all for your great comments. As Barry correctly states, good learning design transcends the technology and good ID is good id. Too often the technology overshadows the ID when, in fact, ID is far more valuable.

Luke, as authors, Tony and I really want to start a broader conversation about VIEs which includes the good, the bad and the ugly. I don't think an intelligent discussion about the proper uses of VIEs can take place without discussing when they "don't work" as well as when they do.

And, as Tom said, in the ADDIE chapter we really tried to point out the right way to apply known design techniques for VIEs, although the use of VIEs is relatively new, I think we can apply much of what we know already about effective learning design to these environments.

Thanks for a great stop and great comments! Let's keep the discussion going.

By: Luke

Luke — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:48:04 +0000

Tom,
Thank you for an honest appraisal of this book (something I value in discussions on "wow" technologies). It's also good to know it's appreciated by the authors too.
Sharing your skepticism in 3D for learning, I do think that it's worth mentioning that in some cases, it may be a value added feature. What comes to mind first is for a younger generation of gamers where traditional learning environments aren't as effective.
my $0.05
-luke

By: Tom King

Tom King — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:18:32 +0000

Barry- I very much agree. In many ways this is just another instructional media, event, interaction or intervention. As such the fundamentals apply. It is very important to understand the opportunities, strengths, and weaknesses. Sometimes this requires a different approach to design and methodology too. Just wait until you get to the chapter on ADDIE and instructional design. No spoilers here, but it is interesting.

By: Barry

Barry — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 03:15:12 +0000

Thank you for such and honest post regarding this book. I've read just the first chapter and skimmed through the rest.

It's more than Learning in 3D. The book is a great learning design guide. If readers are willing, they could have the wake up call most ISD geeks need. It's time to get out of the classroom….

By: Karl Kapp

Karl Kapp — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:27:32 +0000

Tom,

I appreciate your skepticism, I think it is very healthy that people do not simply adopt a new technology because of the WOW factor but adopt it to address a specific business need.

Too many WOW factor technologies have come and gone and virtual immersive environments certainly have that potential.

What Tony and I have tried to do is discuss the practical aspects of Learning in 3D and let people know that for certain types of learning it is ideal and we carefully spell out those types of learning but for other types of learning, VIEs are not so good.

Thanks again for being a stop on the tour and for bringing a healthy bit of skepticism to the discussion.

By: Tony

Tony — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:51:43 +0000

Tom,

Thanks for being a part of our blog tour! I am glad to read that some of the frameworks and case studies help assuage some of your justified skepticism regarding the role of immersive learning environments.

In putting the book together Karl and I wanted to: (1) Describe what Virtual Immersive Environments (VIEs) are and outline the opportunities they represent for learning, (2) Show proof points of how VIEs are being applied today via comprehensive case studies, and (3) Provide a learning architecture framework to help learning and collaboration professionals begin their own immersive learning journeys with reduces uncertainty and risk.

Sounds like the cases and frameworks were helpful to you and that is great to hear.