Science ID

I’m summarazing my class experince and readings by trying to define some broad structures useful for moving forward. I find concept maps as useful tools to sturcuture my thoughs so I’ll map these out. The key topics I’m exploring this week are broad catagories of learning environmetns and (a subtopic) broad categories of simulated experinces. 

Broad categories of SL as a learning environment:
Distance learning provided some original motivation to create virtual worlds and related simulations; however virtual worlds have benefits beyond replicating a classroom experience that make them beneficial learning environments. Virtual worlds are (1) Creative learning spaces where students can design, manipulate and simulate. (2) Foster collaboration through immersion and shared presence.  

Broad categories of simulated experiences: Virtual worlds are modeling environments and, therefore, have intrinsic properties that make them ideal for modeling and simulations. Education simulations can be grouped into two broad groups:  

(1) Experiential, where the user experiences simulation from the perspective of a character or population. 

(2) Modeling Environments, where user builds environments and manipulates variables to perform tests.