RSU 3 Virtual Learning Center: a human-supported virtual world for adult learners¶

Element · All elements
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The RSU 3 Virtual Learning Center is a virtual world built solely for adult learners, developed with Reaction Grid and grown by SPICE's IT department to four levels including a HiSET prep class, a family literacy classroom, and community college classes. Hughes stresses that "This is not distance learning. This is human-supported learning because it is virtual": every avatar has a real person behind it, and teachers are trained to stop at every avatar to interact. The Center supports SPICE's mission of teaching parents skills to teach their children.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• IT department capacity and willingness to take on virtual world development, which Hughes calls a critical part of SPICE's success
• teacher training to stop at every avatar to ensure each learner experiences human connection

Constraints¶

• The Center is solely for adult learners

Target Learners¶

• rural adult learners in a family literacy program, including parents and high school completion students

Target Learning Goals¶

• family literacy skills, high school completion (HiSET) preparation, community college coursework, and confidence as children's first teachers

Claims¶

• SPICE learners report that the virtual Center reduced their rural isolation and made learning enjoyable [+W]

Related Elements¶

Examples¶

• Use virtual-world tasks to track learners' application and transfer of skills

Key Sources¶

• Technology and Family Literacy Case Study: SPICE. (2012). Digital Promise. https://www.digitalpromise.org