Being there : an empirical look at learning outcomes in 3D virtual worlds
Résumé
There are potential benefits to technology-mediated learning that have not been fully realized. Virtual worlds are a relatively new source of technology-mediated learning. Little is known about the results of learning in virtual worlds, and our knowledge about the important features of virtual worlds that may lead to key learning outcomes, i.e., effectiveness and satisfaction, is limited. In this research we argue that because users of virtual worlds may perceive themselves as being in the world with others and have a pleasurable experience doing so, they are more likely to experience positive learning outcomes. In a study comprised of 53 participants, we studied learning effectiveness and satisfaction. Presence and flow increased satisfaction, while interaction increased learning effectiveness. We were surprised to find that flow actually decreased learning effectiveness. Additionally, we compared virtual world learning to face-to-face learning and did not find significant differences in learning effectiveness or satisfaction.