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ERIC Number: EJ826081
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1539-1523
EISSN: N/A
Collaborative Virtual Environments as Means to Increase the Level of Intersubjectivity in a Distributed Cognition System
Ligorio, M. Beatrice; Cesareni, Donatella; Schwartz, Neil
Journal of Research on Technology in Education, v40 n3 p339-357 Spr 2008
Virtual environments are able to extend the space of interaction beyond the classroom. In order to analyze how distributed cognition functions in such an extended space, we suggest focusing on the architecture of intersubjectivity. The Euroland project--a virtual land created and populated by seven classrooms supported by a team of researchers--was analyzed with the aim of tracking down the process and the structure of intersubjectivity. Participants were located in different cities in two countries--Italy and the Netherlands. At the end of the project, the initial empty virtual world was filled with virtual artifacts borne from the intersubjective process. A group of ten 13-year-old students was observed throughout the project. Seven videotapes were collected in the classroom. By analyzing the videotapes, a set of episodes revealing intersubjectivity was captured and discussed. Intersubjectivity first concerned only participants and tools located in the classroom. Later, partners at a distance and the various communication tools available entered the architecture of intersubjectivity. Finally, intersubjectivity revealed not only information, but the reciprocal perception of the roles and awareness of a joint project. From the episode analysis, recommendations for teachers' use of virtual technology were drawn. (Contains 1 table and 1 figure.)
International Society for Technology in Education. 480 Charnelton Street, Eugene, OR 97401-2626. Tel: 800-336-5191; Tel: 541-302-3777; Fax: 541-302-3778; e-mail: iste@iste.org; Web site: http://www.iste.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Grade 8; Secondary Education
Audience: Teachers
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Italy; Netherlands
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A