Investigating Student Attitudes Toward a Synchronous, Online Graduate Course in a Multi-User Virtual Learning Environment

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Annetta, L., Murray, M., Gull Laird, S., Bohr, S. & Park, J. (2008). Investigating Student Attitudes Toward a Synchronous, Online Graduate Course in a Multi-User Virtual Learning Environment. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 16(1), 5-34. Chesapeake, VA: AACE.
Retrieved from http://www.editlib.org/p/21984.

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Journal Information

Journal of Technology and Teacher Education
ISSN 1059-7069
Volume 16, Issue 1, 2008
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)  Chesapeake, VA

More Information on JTATE

Authors

Leonard Annetta, North Carolina State University, USA; Marshall Murray, Anderson Community School Corporation, USA; Shelby Gull Laird, Stephanie Bohr, John Park, North Carolina State University, USA

Abstract

This article describes a graduate distance education course at North Carolina State University, which combined science content and pedagogy with video game design. The course was conducted entirely in a synchronous, online, Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) through the ActiveWorlds™ platform. Inservice teachers enrolled as graduate students in science education learned to construct video games as a supplement to their science instruction. The ultimate objective of this course was to advance student achievement and interest in science by providing teachers with a viable source for integrating video game technology into the curriculum. A case study design suggested positive student attitudes toward course satisfaction. The implications of these results suggest a positive avenue for technology integration in teacher education that meets the growing demand for engaging students in all content areas.

Keywords

• Virtual Environments
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Community
• Attitudes
• Creativity
• Sciences
• Curriculum
• Distance Education
• Instructional Design
• Interaction
• Learning Objects
• Games
• Human Computer Interaction
• Information Communication Technologies

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