iHABS: Collaborative Learning in a Networked, Immersive Simulation Environment

摘要

Three-dimensional Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), with their unique features of immersion, presence, and direct engagement, offer considerable promise for the design of effective constructivist learning environments. Collaboration within a VLE should facilitate active and engaged forms of learning, thereby enriching and enhancing the learning process. However, research performed to date has not unequivocally and consistently demonstrated positive and sustainable learning effects. In this paper, we report our study on iHABs, a networked, immersive hot air ballooning simulation program. iHABS allows students to learn underlying physics principles related to buoyancy in a fun, engaging, and collaborative manner. The key goals of our research were to evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative learning in a VLE and to assess the impact of presence in such a learning setting. In addition, we studied how factors such as individual characteristics, relationship between the participants, differences in level of understanding, and task structure affect collaboration within the VLE. An empirical evaluation was conducted, and the research findings are presented in this paper.