SPRINGFIELD, Mo., Nov. 2, 2011 — Drury University’s work in the 3-D world Second Life is featured in the just released book, Transforming Virtual World Learning: Cutting Edge Technologies in Higher Education.
In chapter one, Lesley Scopes, MSc, from the University of Southampton in England, chronicles how she put her model of virtual world pedagogy, known as cybergogy, into practice while collaborating with Drury as a faculty development consultant.
Lesley Scopes
The model is based on student centered learning designed to take advantage of the teaching affordances made possible in 3-D immersive virtual worlds. Scopes’ model of cybergogy expands beyond just cognitive learning to four domains by adding emotional, social and dexterous learning domains.
In the spring of 2009, Drury partnered with Scopes to develop faculty and Second Life enhanced courses. Scopes documents her experience in certifying seven instructors in virtual learning pedagogy. She discusses the learning experiences in five Second Life enhanced courses during Dury’s initial virtual world offerings in the fall of 2009.
In her summation of virtual world learning, Scopes states, “The nature of virtual worlds supports the creation and habitation of 3-D digital space. Once a level of immersion is attained, perception of the 3-D world evolves to feel as a real destination as any other geographical location, a persistent place to visit, travel around, establish a presence, set up a home base, create things and/or buy virtual items created by other residents, enjoy live music and drama performances, experience various art forms and forge meaningful relationships.”
Contact: Steve Hynds, Director of Online Education, Office: (417) 873-7406, E-mail:shynds@drury.edu
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