I wrote this article for Innovate magazine a few months ago, to coincide with the release of Learning Online with Games, Simulations, and Virtual Worlds. They sense an overlap between virtual worlds, games, and simulations, and yet they know that one is not synonymous with the other. Figure 1: ProtoSphere Virtual World Yet as I have argued elsewhere ( Aldrich 2009 ), the differences are profound. In contrast, simulations use rigorously structured scenarios carefully designed to develop specific competencies that can be directly transferred into the real world. MORE >>

2009: Understanding and Procuring forms of Highly Interactive Virtual Environments Organizations will continue to explore their understanding of Highly Interactive Virtual Environments. They will seek to resolve the differences in structure, use, best practices, and metrics between virtual worlds , serious game , and educational simulations. More organizations will purchase access to virtual worlds. Students and teachers will expect the smooth ramp up and ramp down between the real world, the open virtual world, the fun game, and the relevant simulation. MORE >>

Bryan asked respondents to provide estimates for four categories of project: Instructor-led training (ILT) : A useful comparison to the e-learning, but also a reasonable guide to what it would take to develop sessions for the virtual classroom. Level 3 e-learning : Highly interactive, possibly including simulations or games, custom interactivity, potentially award-winning. I often get asked how long it takes to create a piece of e-learning. He also asked what the cost of this work was at internal rates. MORE >>

Some thoughts on the advantages of 3D environments (virtual worlds) for learning. Experienced learners can explore more possibilities of dialogue than in a scripted simulation. Advantage of 3D Worlds Over Virtual Classroom Learners stay more focused (not as likely to check email). Advantages of 3D Immersive Learning Learner cues on visual, auditory and spatial elements of 3D environment which leads to better recall and application of learning. Learner rehearses on-the-job behavior in an environment as close to job environment as possible. Am I on the right track? MORE >>

Media form Example learning technologies The role of content Narrative media Online articles and papers, slide shows, podcasts, online videos, software demos Content is the input Interactive media Scenarios, quizzes, games, e-tutorials Content is the input Communicative media Forums, virtual classrooms, email Content is an output Adaptive media Simulations, intelligent tutorials Content is the input Productive media Wikis, blogs, text and media editors Content is an output I’m not sure yet whether all this has moved things along, but at least I have got it out of my system MORE >>