Topic7

= Learning Topic 7: = =Virtual Reality =

Background/Rationale
Virtual reality refers to computer-simulated environments (both real and fictional). Users can interact with people, places, and things using input devices (i.e. keyboard and mouse) or multimodal devices. Virtual reality is a growing trend that is found in books, television, movies, games, education, art, and even health care. However, virtual reality is still a relatively new term for many people. It is important for individuals to educate themselves about a fast-spreading trend in the education of kids, teens, and adults.

Learner Outcomes

 * Develop a working definition of virtual reality.
 * Identify your view of virtual reality in the classroom.
 * Understand different views towards the concept of virtual reality in education.
 * Investigate various virtual worlds and simulations.
 * Compare and contrast virtual worlds and simulations for the appropriate educational setting.
 * Develop an activity/lesson that is aligned with NETS, Marzano's strategies, and curriculum.
 * Cite sources onto a wiki.

Readings and Research

 * Readings:**
 * Virtual Reality and Education Laboratory: @http://vr.coe.ecu.edu/
 * Education World: **//The MOO: a virtual reality learning environment//**: @http://www.educationworld.com/a_tech/tech010.shtml


 * Library Resource:**
 * Books 24/7 - @http://libguides.regis.edu/atozdatabases


 * Online Magazines:**
 * Tech&Learning - @http://www.techlearning.com/
 * THE Journal - @http://thejournal.com/Home.aspx
 * Journal of Educational Technology & Society - @http://www.ifets.info/
 * Education Week: Digital Directions - @http://www.edweek.org/dd/
 * eLearn Magazine - @http://www.elearnmag.org/
 * Edutopia - @http://www.edutopia.org/


 * Search Terms:**
 * Virtual Reality
 * Virtual Environments
 * Virtual Life
 * Virtual Worlds
 * Virtual Field Trips
 * Simulations


 * Virtual Reality Resources:**
 * Second Life - @http://secondlife.com/
 * Second Life Education: @http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Second_Life_Education
 * Wiki - Second Life: @http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Education
 * Teen SecondLife - @http://teen.secondlife.com/
 * PhET Simulations - @http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/new
 * Edheads - @http://edheads.org/
 * Roblox: @http://www.roblox.com/Default.aspx
 * Active Worlds: @http://www.activeworlds.com/
 * Quest Atlantis - @http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/
 * ReactionGrid - @http://www.reactiongrid.com/
 * Discover! Simulations - @http://www.eduplace.com/kids/hmsc/content/simulation/
 * Tootsville - @http://www.tootsville.com/
 * Club Penguin - @http://www.clubpenguin.com/
 * Secret Builders - @http://secretbuilders.com/
 * Build-a-Bearville - @http://www.buildabearville.com/
 * Intellitar: @http://www.intellitar.com/
 * Virtual Eternity (beta) - @https://www.virtualeternity.com/index.php?c=home.welcome
 * Intelligram -@http://www.intelligram.com/
 * Xtranormal: @http://www.xtranormal.com/
 * Virtual museums
 * Subject Area Resources**
 * National Library of Virtual Manipulatives: @http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
 * Virtual Reality: Modeling with Math, and a little Java: http://www.frontiernet.net/~imaging/math_is_a_game.html
 * Play a Piano: http://www.frontiernet.net/~imaging/play_a_piano.html
 * Bioanim: @http://www.bioanim.com/
 * Center for Environmental Visualization: @http://www.cev.washington.edu/
 * Border to Border Toolkit: @http://nortellearnit.info/border_to_border_site/

What is Virtual Reality and Where Do You Stand?
//**Context:** As an introduction to the topic, you need to gain background knowledge about what virtual reality, the pros and cons to using it in education, and sites that are suitable for various ages.//

** 7.1: Class Discussion - Pre-Assessment **

 * What is virtual reality?
 * Virtual reality is not the only term used to describe it. What are similar terms?
 * If at all, how is virtual reality currently being used in your educational setting?

**7.2: Part One - What is Your Current Opinion of Virtual Reality in Education?**
Your instructor is going to ask if you are for or against virtual reality in education and write down your response.

**Part Two - Individual Investigation (Online - Independent)** It is easy to defend a topic that you agree with, but it is difficult to defend something you disagree with. In Activity 2, you provided whether or not you were for or against virtual reality in education. You are going to research the opposing view in order to convince educators it is the best perspective. For example, if you are against virtual reality in education, you will research why it is beneficial and try to convince other educators why they should agree with you. You need to locate articles representing your opposing view of virtual reality (a minimum of three). REMEMBER to save sites you like or would use to your Delicious account.

**Part 3 - Small Group Discussion (Class - Small Group)** You will have break-out sessions for each side of the debate (for virtual reality or against it)to discuss your articles. Make sure to have citations available to share with your peers. You will be using these resources to guide your writing in Activity 5.4.

7.3: Virtual Reality Play Day
You will visit a minimum of 5 different virtual reality/simulation sites, experience the world and/or simulation, and determine what age group they are appropriate for. While you investigate, organize the sites into a thinking map (tree map shown below) based on the level of learners that would benefit most. To create your thinking map, use a free electronic brainstorming tool. One example of a free online tool is @https://bubbl.us/. An example of a tree map example is located below. You can add as many levels under each category as needed. This will be included in your final paper for this topic.

After you have investigated and categorized your virtual reality/simulation sites, add them to the Topic7_StudentPage. If the site and/or resource is already there, it does not needed to be added again.

**7.4: Summarizing Your Findings**
Select three of the Virtual Reality worlds and/or simulations that you investigated and write 1-3 summarizing paragraphs for each. Paragraphs must include:
 * A description of the Virtual world/simulation
 * The learning objective for the activity students will perform
 * The age group would benefit most from the site and why
 * Any other information you feel would be important for educators to know for use
 * How might you integrate this into your classroom

** 7.5: Virtual Reality Integration **
//How would you integrate virtual reality into your classroom?// Find 4-5 different virtual reality programs or simulations that would be appropriate for your classes. Items to consider: Use the provided chart to assist you with this project.
 * How would you integrate them into your lessons?
 * How would you know if the technology assisted the students with their understanding of the concepts?
 * What content and Net standards would be addressed?
 * How would you utilize Marzano's Strategies and what Bloom's questions would you develop for your students?
 * What are issues that you need to consider before implementing the virtual reality into your lesson?

Post your findings to Topic7_StudentPage.


 * Assessment:**

**Alternate:**
You will create an activity or lesson (using the lesson plan template provided below) that is based around virtual reality or a simulation.. The lesson must include: While you are writing your lesson, Intel Innovation in Education has created a Unit Plan Evaluation for exemplary units. Although this is a unit plan evaluation, many components can be applied to a single lesson. Use this as a tool to ensure thoughtfulness in your lesson.
 * Application of a virtual world or simulation
 * Curriculum standards with aligning objectives
 * At least one of Marzano's nine strategies
 * NETS standard(s)

**7.6: Virtual Reality Persuasion and Application**
**//(Capstone Project Suggestion)//** After researching and discussing virtual reality, you should have a better understanding of what it is and how it could be used in an educational setting. You will write a persuasion piece that includes:
 * Writing that supports the view opposite of your own (including at least 3 sources found during research)
 * bibliography
 * the tree map you created
 * your summarizing paragraphs
 * a classroom lesson that integrates virtual reality

**7.6 Assessment:**
 * Regis Rubric: CPS School of Education and CounselingGeneral Writing Rubric - []
 * Lesson Plan Template

7.7: Virtual Reality in Education Threaded Discussion Post
After exploring different virtual reality applications, reflect on its value in education. In the discussion section of Topic7_StudentPage participate in a threaded discussion about this topic. You may need to do additional research on your own in order to participate fully in this discussion.

You are to:
 * Assess the value of virtual reality in education.**
 * Is it a viable tool for instruction?
 * Is there value to incorporating it into traditional lessons? Explain why or why not.
 * When might virtual reality not be appropriate?

Construct your reflection so that it invites a response from the other members of the course and in turn respond to a minimum of 2 other posts. Keep the flow of discussion going.
 * 1) Reference what others have posted
 * 2) Enhance the discussion with clear and concise opinions
 * 3) Support the discussion with facts, opinions, and links
 * 4) Provide detailed critiques to postings in a thoughtful and respectful manner.
 * 5) Provide focused questions that demonstrate a high degree of understanding.


 * Assessment: (80 points)**

You are going to reflect on your experiences around virtual reality. Select one of the following questions to blog about on your personal blog.
 * Now that you have researched the view opposite of yours, how have your thoughts changed?
 * Do virtual worlds offer more advantages over more traditional learning environments?
 * Do virtual worlds give students a better learning experience than real world experiences?
 * How can we prevent our students from looking at virtual worlds as just games and view them as learning experiences?


 * 7.7 Assessment (16 points):**

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