Title
Empirical Comparison of 3-D Virtual World and Face-to-Face Classroom for Higher Education
Abstract
Many higher education institutions have set up virtual classrooms in the 3-D virtual world. In this research, the authors assess the relative effectiveness of a 3-D virtual world learning environment, Second Life, compared to traditional face-to-face learning environment. They also assess the effects of instructional strategies in these two learning environments on interactivity, perceived learning, and satisfaction. The authors' findings suggest that learning environment interacts with instructional strategy to affect the learners' perceived learning and satisfaction. Specifically, when interactive instructional strategy is used, there is no significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction between the 3-D virtual world and face-to-face learning environment. However, when a direct instructional strategy is used, there is a significant difference for perceived learning and satisfaction. They also assessed whether or not technology helps increase learner and instructor interaction. The result suggests that in interactive instructional sessions, students experienced a higher level of classroom interactivity in Second Life than in face-to-face classroom.
Year
DOI
Venue
2012
10.4018/jdm.2012070102
J. Database Manag.
Keywords
Field
DocType
instructional strategy,significant difference,interactive instructional session,learning environment,interactive instructional strategy,higher education,traditional face-to-face learning environment,direct instructional strategy,environment interacts,3-d virtual world,empirical comparison,second life,face-to-face classroom
Experiential learning,Educational technology,Interactivity,Data mining,Open learning,Computer science,Face-to-face,Mathematics education,Learning environment,Multimedia,Higher education,Instructional simulation
Journal
Volume
Issue
ISSN
23
3
1063-8016
Citations 
PageRank 
References 
5
0.57
28
Authors
3
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Xiaofeng Chen1244.24
Keng Siau22614193.10
Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah31719103.11