Abstract
A virtual world is an immersive 3D online environment whose residents are represented by avatars that move through the spaces and interact with other users and objects synchronously or asynchronously. The literature reveals that virtual worlds have significant potential to foster constructivist learning and create smart learning environments that are effective, efficient, scalable, engaging, flexible, adaptive, and personalized. This paper presents seven ways to use virtual worlds to create smart learning environments: (1) visualization of inaccessible and invisible content, (2) role-playing and identity exploration, (3) situated learning, (4) safe and adaptive environments for skill practice, (5) spatial simulation and virtual field trips, (6) social interactions and collaboration, and (7) virtual performance assessments.
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An, Y. (2019). Creating Smart Learning Environments with Virtual Worlds. In: Chang, M., et al. Foundations and Trends in Smart Learning. Lecture Notes in Educational Technology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6908-7_12
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6908-7_12
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