Session 11

Title: Engaging Students in a Virtual World

Session Description:

This session begins with a discussion regarding the benefits for using a virtual world to engage students in meaningful learning. The session also includes examples of how a virtual world can be designed to provide and supplement learning opportunities. Target group is teachers, trainers, and instructional designers.

Presenters: Dr. Brenda Kallio, Elizabeth Becker, Sherita Love

For ten years Brenda Kallio taught special education students in the Ohio public school system. She received her doctorate from Bowling Green State University in 2000 and is the professor of School Law courses at the University of North Dakota. Her research interests include legal/ethical decision-making, at-risk students, and compulsory education. Brenda teaches many of her courses via the Internet and has recently incorporated the use of the virtual world, Second Life, into her teaching.

Elizabeth Becker is the Instructional Multimedia Designer at the Center for Instructional & Learning Technologies (CILT) at the University of North Dakota. One of her responsibilities is to design and maintain UND’s presence in Second Life. Elizabeth has her Master’s degree in Industrial Technology and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Teaching & Learning. She also teaches courses in graphic design and multimedia production at UND.

Sherita Love is a 2nd year PhD student in the Instructional Design and Technology program at the University of North Dakota, College of Teaching and Learning. She has six years of experience designing educational multimedia and managing multimedia development teams. Her research interests include on-line multiuser environments, simulations/gaming, and problem-based learning.