Virtual World Play: Neuroplasticity, Transfer of Learning, & Discovery Learning
Virtual worlds are considered games to many. While legitimate learning has become well documented in video games over the last two decades, virtual worlds present unique perspectives and opportunities. Rather than being task- or quest-based, virtual worlds present a blank slate in which participants must make broader choices and work harder to find relatable activities, as well as locating resources to learn basic and advanced skills. This session explores the impact on neuroplasticity and transfer of learning of virtual world skills, the peripheral skills that contribute to the virtual world environment, and the benefits of discovery learning theory in this medium. The presenter will share some of her own publications, experiences, and applications while exploring the components of these topics.
This TED type session explores the impact of virtual world participation in four parts. First, we will explore the question: What makes virtual world participation different from other “games?” This is followed by an examination of how the choice of the types of participation in the virtual world affects neuroplasticity with regard to the use of technology, with a focus on older adults. This will include excerpts from a textbook chapter co-authored by the presenter.
We will then delve into probing how learning virtual world skills and peripheral skills may affect the positive transfer of learning into real world skills. The presenter will share her own personal experiences regarding effects on her professional life as an instructional designer in a major medical school. Finally, we analyze the manner in which discovery learning is relevant to the virtual world and why it is so impactful.
Speaker
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Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow (Poster Booth #15)Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow specializes in developing cutting edge digital technology for learning. Xenon has over 35 years of design and development experience from working with major oil and chemical companies, universities, healthcare, and the hospitality industry as a consultant and instructional designer. Her expertise includes working with Universities and Colleges as a consultant, professor, and instructional designer for more than 17 years. Her work has extended to the hospitality industry for the over 22 years. She currently works as an instructional designer for a prominent school of nursing at a major medical school. She is considered one of the resident experts in gamification and AI applications in learning.
https://opensimworld.com/user/xenondarrow
https://hypemetaverse.com/u/Xenon281
