3D Virtual Learning Environments for working with young people. A handbook for Teen Educators

Abstract

3D Virtual Learning Environments for working with young people. A handbook for Teen Educators.

In this handbook we will examine what 3D virtual worlds are, what evolutionary steps led to their development, what makes them unique and what social impact they have? We will outline what makes 3D virtual worlds interesting for educators, in which ways they can be used for education and where 3D virtual worlds have strengths and limits are. The experiences come are derived from The ABV4Kids project. The ABV4Kids project built on the educational potential 3D VLEs offer. More than other online platforms they give their users a sense of real time involvement, promote new forms of social interaction and give them room for creative processes (cp. Carr, 2008; Salt et al., 2008) what makes them highly attractive for young people. The project explicitly aimed at involving young people in the planning, development and creation of the ABV and its events.

Project Partners: Centre for Educational Research, University of Koblenz‐Landau (Germany); Infoart, Plodiv (Bulgaria); CINECA ‐ Consorzio Interuniversitario (Italy); Open University of Israel (Israel); The Pedagogical Academy in Łódź (Poland); Barnevakten ‐ Kids and Media (Norway); Actionwork Worldwide Limited (Great Britain).