Engagement in Second Life Learning

Sarah “Intellagirl” RobbinsMedia Sauce.comBall State UniversityMay 25, 2007Second Life Best Practices Conference

Engagement: a student’s willingness to spend time and energy on learning

RQ1: What are the established measurements for engagement in education?

RQ2: According to these measurement tools, how well does Second Life facilitate engagement?

Defining the Problem

• Drop out rates in online classes are 10-20% higher than in face to face classes (Carr)

• 75% of e-learners don’t finish their courses (Hogg)

• Students involved in distance education report that they feel isolated and disconnected (Kerka, Twigg, Besser)

Chickering and Gamson: 7 Principles

1. Encourages contact between faculty and students

2. Develops reciprocity and cooperation among students

3. Encourages active learning4. Gives prompt feedback5. Emphasizes time on task6. Communicates high expectations7. Respects diverse talents and ways of learning

Rovia’s 7 Qualities

1. Transactional Distance2. Social Presence3. Social Equality4. Small Group Activities5. Group Facilitation6. Teaching Style and Learning Stage7. Community Size

Defining the Solution

Feeling part of a community of learners has a direct impact, not only on retention, but also on students’ perception of successful university experiences (Wellman, Wehlage)

How do we create a sense of community?

The EquationSelf-disclosure and bonding (Cutler)Sharing enjoyable experiences (Duck) Sharing public spaces (Goffman) Mutual respect of differences (Graves,

Gibbs)

1. Self-disclosure and bonding

• Avatars allow for self-expression in “safe” ways• Spending casual time in a

persistent spaces encourages students to get to know each other

2. Sharing Enjoyable Experiences

• Experimentation•Collaboration• Fun!

3. Sharing Public Spaces

• Persistent social spaces that avoid the “privileged space” view of learning • All of Second Life is a learning

space• Student created spaces

4. Mutual Respect of Differences

• Avatars allow us to express our differences in new ways• Flexible identity facilitates

“difference experimentation”

Sarah “Intellagirl” RobbinsIntellagirl@gmail.com

Sarah.Robbins@Mediasauce.com