Collaborative Learning in Networked 3D Environments (13, 2003)

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The purpose of the second phase of the project is two-fold: First, to study design and development of 3D learning environments, and secondly, seek to illuminate to what extent can students’ experience and understanding of gene technology be supported through collaboration in a networked 3D environment through studies of use.

The project has developed the learning environment “Mission Queen Maud Land” (MQML), where the students take on the roles of researchers, and in collaboration they solve different scientific tasks related to the field of molecular biology. During a field trial at Ringstabekk secondary school, the students’ use of MQML was integrated into a problem-based educational setting.

The students reported that they found learning with the help of networked 3D technology entertaining and motivating. Another encouraging finding is that MQML seems to be beneficial for the students’ knowledge construction on concrete tasks related to gene technology. On a more general level, the project has identified three major challenges concerning use of such ICT-based resources in education. These are related to supporting the students’ knowledge construction on a conceptual level, the interplay between ICT-based learning resources and the larger educational context, and finally, issues related to the teachers’ role, repertoire and subject knowledge.