A Generalized Pedagogical Framework for Creating Mixed-Mode Role-Play in Multi-User Virtual Environments

Abstract

Science students face considerable challenges when attempting to absorb and visualize abstract concepts presented to them in the classroom; educators use a number of methods to support their students in this regard. Our focus is on two such methods currently being used by educators: role-play and 3D simulation; these are designed to immerse the student in the learning process. Both methods attempt to make the invisible, visible. However, the literature demonstrates a lack of research, in particular, into the effectiveness of learning through structured role-play and the impact of this method on students using Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs). This paper exhibits the effects of an interactive role-play learning activity, supported within a MUVE, on the learning process. The activity is generated by a data-driven framework that acts as a template for the creation of the role-play the role-play is generated automatically from pre-defined data stored in a database. The framework is generalizable, which means that it can be used for other role-play subjects by re-configuring the data in the database. This paper aims to demonstrate the advantages of the ‘immersion’ that Virtual Reality (VR) can provide to its users via the means of allowing them to take on the role of an object involved in a message-passing system. This object will be one which is collaborative with other objects in a role-play activity. The role-play activity will be generated by a data-driven pedagogical framework called MMRP.