2. Online Experiential Learning
Immersive learning simulations create engaging and
behavior changing forms of learning, Beckem and Watkins
(2012). Scholars for generations have believed that
involving learners in the process results in evolutionary
education. U.S. News & World Report recently published
their 2013 national ranking of online programs, which gave
a 25% score for access to Student Services and
Technology, including criteria based on simulations and
visual software.
Craig (1997) believes that engaging the mind through
activity, reflection and application are key components of
experience. Online Experiential Learning opportunities are
highly prevalent, with emphases being placed on the fields
of Healthcare and Economics. Virtual worlds give users the
ability to carry out tasks that could be difficult in the real
world due to constraints such as cost, scheduling or location
(Angel Learning Committee 2008).
4. Healthcare Simulations
Using virtual simulations like the ones provided by the
University of Florida can involve the students in learning
anything from manual resuscitation to administering
anesthesia. The University of Wisconsin has a section of
their website devoted to Games and Simulations for
Healthcare like the virtual ECG patient shown.
Authentic online experiences can also be great
opportunities for reflection. You might consider using
Blackboard Discussion Board, Blogs or Podcasts to allow the
students to post their impressions of a transferal to
practice.
Simulations take the learner beyond memorization of
facts. They begin to formulate new knowledge by analyzing,
evaluating and synthesizing information, Beckem and
Watkins (2012). The learning is student centered and action
based.
6. Economics Simulations
In 2011 it is estimated that simulations were accessed over 2.5
million times by 300,000 students, spread over a number of
institutions, Beckem and Watkins (2012). Institutions developing
learning strategies related to economics across the country are
turning to sites like smartstocks.com, to help the students
experience the world’s great producer and distributor of wealth, the
stock market.
Collaboration opportunities build a sense of community in online
learning. The students learn from their peers and build skills that
can help them make decisions in the future. The smart stocks
interactive game, gives groups of students insight into money
management and investment.
Teaching the students how to manage money and make sound
investments without the risk of consequences is a key component of
economic simulations. The rewards of virtual stock market learning
can be felt in other areas of your instruction. The student will be
more knowledgeable and interested when they encounter topics
related to the economies where the goods and services originate.
Building an environment that fosters life-long learning and
experimentation will certainly help the students succeed. Natural
assessments contained in experiential simulations enable essentials
skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making
concepts that many educators hold as central. (Beckem and
Watkins (2012).
8. Virtual World Simulations
Do you feel that travel expands the mind? Would you
recommend that your students explore our world? Whether you
teach the arts or are a science instructor, you should be able to take
advantage of the educational opportunities available in Virtual
Worlds like Second Life. Students can experience places such as this
mock base camp in the Masaai Mara region of Africa, gateway to a
National Wildlife refuge. Created as part of a doctoral thesis for
Clemson University, the camp includes videos from the Massai
tribesman exploring subjects such as killings lions with spears for
survival. The site also includes images, tools and objects that your
students can interact with. The Doctoral projects requests students
record their interactions via web surveys providing an opportunity
for synthesis of information.
Universities such as Monroe College offer opportunities for
internships through Second Life. Interns acquire real life
experiences and apply skills and knowledge learned in the
classroom. They were able to evaluate and hone the abilities they
needed to succeed before graduation, Angel Learning committee
(2008).
Regardless of the subject you teach, online experiential learning
can benefit your students. Opportunities for engagement,
knowledge acquisition and collaboration are all reasons to take a
deeper look into this topic.
Notes de l'éditeur
Using virtual simulations like the ones provided by the University of Florida can involve the students in learning anything from manual resuscitation to administering anesthesia. The University of Wisconsin has a section of their website devoted to Games and Simulations for Healthcare like the virtual ECG patient shown. Authentic online experiences can also be great opportunities for reflection. You might consider using Blackboard Discussion Board, Blogs or Podcasts to allow the students to post their impressions of a transferal to practice. Simulations take the learner beyond memorization of facts. They begin to formulate new knowledge by analyzing, evaluating and synthesizing information, Beckem and Watkins (2012). The learning is student centered and action based.
In 2011 it is estimated that simulations were accessed over 2.5 million times by 300,000 students, spread over a number of institutions, Beckem and Watkins (2012). Institutions developing learning strategies related to economics across the country are turning to sites like smartstocks.com, to help the students experience the world’s great producer and distributor of wealth, the stock market. Collaboration opportunities build a sense of community in online learning. The students learn from their peers and build skills that can help them make decisions in the future. The smart stocks interactive game, gives groups of students insight into money management and investment. Teaching the students how to manage money and make sound investments without the risk of consequences is a key component of economic simulations. The rewards of virtual stock market learning can be felt in other areas of your instruction. The student will be more knowledgeable and interested when they encounter topics related to the economies where the goods and services originate. Building an environment that fosters life-long learning and experimentation will certainly help the students succeed. Natural assessments contained in experiential simulations enable essentials skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and decision making concepts that many educators hold as central. (Beckem and Watkins (2012).
Do you feel that travel expands the mind? Would you recommend that your students explore our world? Whether you teach the arts or are a science instructor, you should be able to take advantage of the educational opportunities available in Virtual Worlds like Second Life. Students can experience places such as this mock base camp in the Masaai Mara region of Africa, gateway to a National Wildlife refuge. Created as part of a doctoral thesis for Clemson University, the camp includes videos from the Massai tribesman exploring subjects such as killings lions with spears for survival. The site also includes images, tools and objects that your students can interact with. The Doctoral projects requests students record their interactions via web surveys proving an opportunity for synthesis of information. Universities such as Monroe College offer opportunities for internships through Second Life. Interns acquire real life experiences and apply skills and knowledge learned in the classroom. They were able to evaluate and hone the abilities they needed to succeed before graduation, Angel Learning committee (2008). Regardless of the subject you teach, online experiential learning can benefit your students. Opportunities for engagement, knowledge acquisition and collaboration are all reasons to take a deeper look into this topic.
