macict 3d virtual worlds: when2050

Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre is a collaboration between the NSW Department of Education and Training and Macquarie University

Macquarie ICT Innovations Centre

MacICT

MacICT 3D Virtual Worlds: WHEN2050



Virtual World

What is a Virtual World?

A virtual world is a 3D computer environment in which users are represented on screen as themselves or as made up characters and can interact in real time with other users. These representations are called avatars. Students and teachers learn to design and construct using an open source software called OpenSim http://opensimulator.org/

http://opensimulator.org/



Project Outcomes

Project Outcomes

The Virtual Worlds Project aims to:evaluate innovative applications of virtual worldsIn education, focusing on supporting teachersto develop curriculum centred student design and construction activities.



Project Description

Project Description

Students in Year 10 explore 3D Virtual Worlds to design and construct Architectural Prototypes for Australian cities that incorporate ideas such as sustainability, function and aesthetics.These students have explored designs that addresses perceived needs for the future such as communication, energy, food, housing, recreation and transport.



Students follow the rules of STAR and good cyber citizenship practice in the virtual world.

Cyber Citizenship

Cyber Citizenship



StudentsComments

“Trinity (3D Virtual Worlds) has changed the way I design…I will now design with a very open mind. This project has pushed me to work harder to develop my concepts and ideas.”

Student comments …

“I hope that in the future it (3D Virtual Worlds) could be a way to learn and an opportunity for students to associate this way of learning with the word ‘education’.”



Develop teacher capacity in the use of information communication technologies.

Office of Schools Plan 2009- 2011

• Innovative professional learning opportunities

State-wide Strategies Northern Sydney Region Strategies

CONNECTED LEARNING

Implement interactive classrooms to better meet the learning needs of 21st Century students.

• video conferencing.• collaborative curriculum projects

• Identifying innovative teaching practice

Extend learning opportunities for students and teachers acrosscommunities of schools.

• support collaborative curriculum projects using ICT

Office of Schools Plan



4.2.4Design and facilitate a variety of purposeful group structures that facilitate student engagement to make content meaningful.

NSW Institute of Teachers (Accreditation and Standards)Sample of NSW Institute Elements mapped to MacICT Projects

NSW Institute of Teachers

Student Grouping

ELEMENT 4: TEACHERS COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY WITH THEIR STUDENTS

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE

3D Virtual Worlds Project is now a registered course for NSWDET teachers. NSWDET teachers who are interested in this course, please contactCentre Director: [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



The 3D Virtual Worlds Project links to many of the NSW Quality Teaching framework elements including:

• Higher-order thinking

• Engagement

• Inclusivity

• Connectedness

• Problematic Knowledge

NSW Quality Teaching framework

NSW Quality Teaching framework



Teachers’Comments

And the final word…from teachers

“What could be better than to witness a group of young people all grow in self-esteem, confidence and collegiality?” Peter Wootten

“The technology provides for the quick activation of ideas, construction of shapes, use of textures all within a 3D space. Students are fully engaged in the whole process of having the power to create major structures, to move around, in and out, above and below their building structures. This is total immersion.”



Research

Research

Learning by Designing in Virtual Worlds(Innovative Research in Virtual Worlds Conference, Coventry University, UK, 3-4 November 2011)

Katy LumkinMacquarie ICT Innovations CentreNSW Department of Education and Communities, Australia

Andrew CramDepartment of EducationMacquarie University, NSW, Australia



Online World at MacICT

Online World at MacICT

3D Virtual Worlds Project Information:http://web1.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.php/projects/menu3dvirtualworlds.html

3D Virtual Worlds Project Blog:http://web2.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/journal/virtual-worlds/

http://web1.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/index.php/projects/menu3dvirtualworlds.html

http://web2.macquarieict.schools.nsw.edu.au/journal/virtual-worlds/



DisclaimerThe ideas expressed in this artefact are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect represent the ideas of the NSW Department of Education and Training.

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