Virtual Worlds in EducationEducational Psychology Computing Science
Dr Patricia BoechlerErik deJongJeff Klassen
Dr Mike CarbonaroWayne ThomasCorbett Artym
Dr Eleni StrouliaMatthew Delaney
Creating a Virtual Campus in OpenSimIssues, Obstacles, and Successes
THE DEVELOPMENT PHASE
The Development Phase
Based on five key tasks
4 Interiors were represented
Roughly 1500m2 of outdoor space represented
1 to 1 Scale
• Virtual Campus should accurately represent the real world Campus with as much detail as possible
ISSUES AND OBSTACLES
Importing 3D Models
Scaling the Collada/Mesh Models
Scaling the Collada/Mesh Models
Scaling the Collada/Mesh Models
Overloading the server
• In February 2012, we piloted the environment with 60 current students in groups of 20
Crossing regions: losing control
Crossing regions: losing control
Voice server set-up
User Account/Avatar set-up
Selecting an appropriate viewer
Quick Live Tour
RUNNING THE TOUR SESSIONS
Tour Sessions
• 5 Sessions• Students were
taken on a 1.5 hour tour
• Experienced student tour guides
• Veterans of real world orientation
Sample Video
STUDENT RESPONSES
Post-Tour Survey
• Survey given to participants following the tour• Questions regarding:• Usability of Virtual Campus• Information and Content• Satisfaction with tour• Expectations of visit to UofA after tour
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 14% 86% 0%
I felt the virtual campus was a place I visited rather than something I was looking at.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 14% 57% 29%
I had the sense of being in the same space as my fellow students.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 14% 71% 14%
Having a 3D physical representation of myself in the virtual world contributed to my on-line experience over other types of on-line environments. (eg. E-mail, chat)
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 14% 43% 14% 29%
Having a 3D physical representation of other students in the virtual world contributed to my on-line experience over other types of on-line environments.
I felt like I was listening to/addressing the other students in the virtual world.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 14% 0% 57% 29%
I felt like I was listening to/addressing the facilitators in the virtual world.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 14% 29% 57%
It was easy to use the voice chat feature.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 14% 29% 29% 29%
It was easy to use the text chat feature.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 0% 29% 71%
The virtual world download instructions were clear.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 29% 43% 29%
The virtual world download process was trouble free.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 43% 14% 14% 29%
I struggled with the virtual world download process.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
57% 0% 0% 43% 0%
The virtual world download process was too long.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
29% 43% 29% 0% 0%
I would recommend to a new student to sign up for the virtual orientation sessions.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 0% 57% 43%
The virtual orientation session has increased my confidence about attending the University of Alberta.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 0% 71% 29%
I now have a good sense of the layout of the campus.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 29% 71% 0%
After the virtual tour, I feel I will be able to find my way around campus when I arrive.
Strongly Disagree [1]
Disagree [2] Neutral [3] Agree [4] Strongly Agree [5]
0% 0% 43% 57% 0%