24th Annual TCC | Online Conference | April 16-18, 2019

Sustainable Learning, Accessible Technologies, & Diverse Contexts

VR

Using OpenSim as an Education Tool to Teach the Solar System

Session Description
Why should students learn about the solar system and understand how it is relevant to them? Learning about the solar system is important because it helps us value the Earth and preserve it for future generations. The primary goal of the project was to design an instructional module for middle school learners that would provide general information and facts about the solar system and explain the benefits of space exploration to mankind. The proposed instructional unit aimed to create an immersive and exploratory environment of the solar system in OpenSim (OS) that would engage and stimulate middle school learners in science class. Gagne’s nine events of instruction was utilized as the overarching design format in order to give students an opportunity to engage in every step of the learning process. In the simulation, the solar system utilized the following learning strategies: game-based, diagnostic, demonstrative, and experiential. The simulation could be used repeatedly to teach different solar system topics. A pilot study was conducted with three participants. Verbal feedback during and after the study indicated that participants found the module clear or somewhat clear, and easy to follow. The session will discuss methods, design strategies, and how virtual world instructional tools and techniques were incorporated in the module.
Presenter(s)
Amberlee Kūʻiʻolani Cotchay
Amberlee Kūʻiʻolani Cotchay, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
Elle Nakamura
Elle Nakamura, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
Routhie Ann B. Senoren
Routhie Ann B. Senoren, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, USA
Routhie Ann Senoren is a graduate student of the Learning Design & Technology master’s program at the University of Hawai’i at Manoa College of Education. She has over 10 years of training experience working multiple technical consulting roles (such as Technical Trainer, Online Help Lead, Software Testing Lead, and Instructional Systems Designer) through government contracts. Ms. Senoren is taking a break from the training industry to take care of her 15 months old twin girl and boy. Her new role as a mother was the inspiration behind her master’s project, the HI Mommy website.
Session Type
20-Minute LTEC Student Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
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Learning through Virtual Reality and 360-Degree Video on YouTube: Possibilities and Pitfalls

Session Description
In 2015, YouTube announced support for virtual reality (VR) and 360-degree video. This made it easier for almost anyone to try out the VR experience through easy-to-use and affordable technologies. Users can now interact with 360-degree videos using a computer mouse or mobile device to explore an omnidirectional view instead of the constrained view of traditional video. The addition of a VR headset adds depth to the video making the experience feel more immersive. The question is, what are the possibilities and pitfalls for this newer form of YouTube video in education? Excitement has started to build as the genre has been explored to create a sense of immersion or presence, to promote new or alternative perspectives, to create virtual tours, or to engage the viewer in an immersive storytelling experience. At the same time, some people experience problems with motion sickness, discomfort, or disorientation when using 360-degree video in VR mode. Issues of accessibility are also a concern for some users who depend on captions or audio descriptions to access video content. It is an exciting new form of YouTube video with pros and cons to consider.

The goals for this session are to discuss:

  • Emerging trends in the research literature for 360-degree video as it pertains to educational use.
  • Benefits and disadvantages of 360-degree video with or without VR enhancements.
  • Popular types of 360-degree videos and their potential value in education.
  • Challenges to consider when using 360-degree VR video as part of the learning experience.
Presenter(s)
Chareen Snelson
Chareen Snelson, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA
Dr. Snelson is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Educational Technology at Boise State University. She has designed and taught online graduate-level courses for more than a decade and currently serves as program coordinator for an online master’s degree program and three online graduate certificate programs. Her scholarly activity centers on YouTube, online video, technology integration, qualitative social media research, and online education.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
All Audiences

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.

Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Metaverse

Session Description
Join us as we explore learning in the Metaverse. Discover how to visit remote destinations where you do not have an account to attend free conferences, scholarly workshops, social events, and shop. This session is for educators, instructional designers, librarians and administrators who wish to tour the Metaverse or for those who wish to create formal online learning spaces or informal community centers for their online students. We’ll explore free software, how to pack your digital suitcase, and how to share content while on virtual field trips. Questions and ideas are welcome!
Presenter(s)
Cynthia Calongne
Cynthia Calongne, Colorado Technical University, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Cynthia Calongne is a Professor of Doctoral Studies at Colorado Technical University. Prior to teaching, she served as a software engineer for Air Force Space Command. Since 1995, she researched usability in virtual environments and pioneered 52 university classes held in virtual worlds. In 2017, she received the Thinkerer Award for lifetime achievement from the Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education, and her team won the $25,000 grand prize at Defense GameTech for their space simulation, the Mars Expedition Strategy Challenge. She collaborated with Will Wright’s team to design Bar Karma, a television series. Under her avatar, Lyr Lobo, she conducts research in virtual world simulation, education, and game design.
Session Type
20-Minute Session
Audience
Novice, Intermediate

A recording of this presentation is available.
Click the button to the right to access the session archive.

Access/download any related materials/handouts
from this session by clicking the button on the right.