ERIC Number: EJ1362803
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2056-4880
EISSN: N/A
Two 3D Virtual Worlds as Domain-Oriented Design Environments: Closing the Educational Gap with the Action-Breakdown-Repair Model
Mørch, Anders I.
International Journal of Information and Learning Technology, v37 n5 p295-307 2020
Purpose: The present study proposes action-breakdown-repair (ABR) as a pedagogical model and 3D virtual worlds as technology, to bridge the gap between curricular goals and students out of school technology experiences, referred to as the educational gap. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study combining design-based research (DBR) and a case study was used with video observation as a data collection method. ABR is demonstrated by an empirical analysis of learning activities with ©Minecraft (hereafter MC) and ©Second Life[superscript TM] (hereafter SL) used in two teacher education programs. Findings: Teachers and students could use the technology with some initial training. Experience in gameplay, collaboration and problem solving eased the transitioning into curricular activities. The teachers integrated domain knowledge by giving students tasks that involved the creation of domain-specific artifacts and role-play scenarios. In total, two dilemmas of educational gap closing were found and discussed: learning domain knowledge vs learning technology and breakdown in action vs breakdown in understanding. Research limitations/implications: Automated feedback (critiquing) adapted to students' individual needs while building and role-playing in MC or SL to off-load some of the teachers' work in scaffolding design activities in the classroom is a direction for further work. Practical implications: The model can provide guidance for teachers and other stakeholders who are in the process of integrating creative technologies like visual programming, design environments and collaboration tools in K-12 education. Originality/value: A novelty of the present research is treating ABR as a pedagogical model and closing the educational gap.
Descriptors: Models, Computer Simulation, Technology Uses in Education, Computer Games, Game Based Learning, Role Playing, Instructional Design, Elementary Secondary Education, Inservice Teacher Education, Student Teachers, Social Studies
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A