We are fortunate to have very creative teachers in Coquitlam School District. A couple of our middle school teachers (at Banting), on their own initiative, discovered Quest Atlantis, a 3D immersive learning environment. Quest Atlantis (QA) is “an international learning and teaching project that uses a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks” developed at the University of Indiana.Banting Middle school) and her class on this initiative.
Quick side bar, it’s amazing how easily these kids are able to talk about what they’re doing and learning. With no preparation, warning, and very little prompting, they take us on their own personal learning journeys. How cool is that.
His current work involves the research and development of rich learning environments, frequently with the aid of technology, that are designed to assist children in developing their sense of purpose as individuals, as members of their communities, and as knowledgeable citizens of the world.
From the QA website we discover that “QA combines strategies used in the commercial gaming environment with lessons from educational research on learning and motivation.” So, let’s start the journey with Jonathan.
Kids are able to work at their own pace, in school, from home, etc. There is a distance learning teacher on Vancouver Island who often chooses to support and help kids and teachers in the virtual world. There are classes around the world involved as well so kids do encounter students and teachers from other “real” cultures in the course of completing their quests.
The system tracks student learning and informs their teachers of their progress. Teachers receive completed tasks and steps in their virtual inbox for review and evaluation.
I strongly encourage you to visit the QA website and explore the information there. You can download and experiment as a guest. It is a very interesting learning model that you may find useful for you and your students.
Perhaps you have experienced online immersive learning environments and can share your thoughts with me. What do you think about these kinds of learning tools? Do you think they have potential to increase or enrich student learning and engagement?