The current issue of the Association for Learning Technology (ALT)’s peer-
reviewed journal, ALT-J, is a special issue devoted to Learning and Teaching in
Immersive Virtual Worlds. Ten articles explore different facets of immersive
virtual worlds, from 3D Virtual Learning Environments to the role of music in
learning and concepts such as Second Life, Active Worlds and collaborative
virtual gaming worlds.
Dr Diane Carr, Lecturer in Media and Cultural Studies, London Knowledge Lab,
Institute of Education, University of London, reviewed the special issue and
explains, “This special issue of ALT-J will be welcomed by those conducting
research in, teaching in, or teaching about virtual worlds. The authors
investigate key concepts (including learning, affect and 'affordance'), reflect
on practice, and consider the implications for pedagogy. The perspectives
brought to bear on these issues are diverse. The collection incorporates topics
(such as music) that have rarely been addressed by those working in this
rapidly expanding field, and theoretical frameworks (such as psychoanalysis)
that have rarely been applied.”
ALT-J is part of the package of membership benefits for those who join the
Association for Learning Technology
http://www.alt.ac.uk/membership_join.html or is available under separate
subscription at
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/title~db=all~content=g906960349~tab=to
c.
Maggi Savin-Baden’s article From cognitive capability to social reform? Shifting
perceptions of learning in immersive virtual worlds will be a valuable source for
those wishing to use Immersive Virtual Worlds to transform pedagogy.., She is
an expert in Immersive Virtual Worlds with research interests including Problem-
based Learning and Games-based Learning, Learning Spaces, Liquid Learning,
and Second Life Learning. Her article is available for free download from
www.educationarena.com from the ‘In Focus’ section.
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