CREATING AN OPEN LEARNING ENVIRONMENTIntegrating 2D and 3D applications for a Political Science Simulation in Moodle and Second Life
Role-Play Simulations for Learning
• Why study role-play simulations?• They are used extensively in many disciplines such as International Studies (our focus)
• Although there are many specific case studies about simulations that point to their efficacy, there is very little literature on how to integrate them into teaching higher education subjects such as International Relations Theory.
Learning Objectives
• Engage in a learning process where the student seeks their own answers. Shift learner roles from passive receiving to active participant
• Develop students’ ability in research, writing and debating.
• Teach the dynamics of intercommunal conflict and resolution.
Theoretical Foundations
• OPEN LEARNING ENVIRONMENT (Hannafin, Hannafin, & Land, 1999)
• COMPONENTS:• Enabling context• Resources• Tools• Scaffolds
The Tools
MOODLE
An open source content management system
USED FOREnabling contextsResources
Tools:Information processingCommunicationScaffolding
The Tools
SLOODLE
Simulation Linked Object Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment
USED FOR:• Integration• Avatar/Student
Registration• Chat repository
The ToolsVIRTUALWORLD(Second Life)
USED FOR• The Role-Play• Negotiations• Creating AlliancesTools:• Manipulation • Communication• scaffolding
Model UN in Second Life (YouTube)
References• Hannafin, M., Land, S., & Oliver, K. (1999). Open learning
environments: Foundations, methods, and models. In C. Reigeluth (Ed.), Instructional Design Theories and Models (pp. 115-140). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
