Cornell University has developed an online science fair that allows students to develop their own virtual worlds. These can be assessed and evaluated by educators so as to allow for alignment with standards.
This is an outline of the article:
- Multi-user, virtual, avatar-based system - users interact with design and environment. Users generate content.
- Some log user activities = can be used for assessment - historically game developers have accesses user information to help players and development while educator have only had limited access.
- SciCentr & SciFair
- Online science museum developed by Cornell University
- Interactive science and technology web sites and 3D worlds
- Project-based learning experience that teaches participants to share their learning using virtual worlds.
- Participants as builders
- Can play or create
- Modeled after the traditional science fair
- Formal and informal settings are available
- Students work through the full process from development to exhibition
- Both evaluation and assessment are done (evaluation on effectiveness of medium and assessment on student achievement
- Evaluation: motivation, data gathering, analysis of student sand boxes, pre and post surveys
- Assessment: rubrics
- Teachers can use a rubric to assess “World design” and are integrate ISTE NETS.
- Conclusions:
- Students find building worlds motivating and exciting.
- Mastery can be assessed
- Self-assessment is possible
- Chat and building logs help track students progress
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