AVATAR course: Teacher training for teaching in 3D virtual worlds

Abstract

In this paper we outline a global course for teachers, which was delivered remotely over a period of four months. The course was created in English language, however to support the learning curve of multilingual and international groups, several modules were moderated in national groups. The course has nine modules, distributed via e-learning and v-learning platform. Last module supports creation of new teaching material by course participants and its piloting with their students. Teachers created interdisciplinary lesson plans with activities in the 3D virtual worlds. Recommendations and experience from trials are tabled in conclusions.

Teacher's Skill Improvement by Role-Play and Simulations on Collaborative Educational Virtual Worlds

“…Teacher training is especially interesting in this regard. Some studies have focused on developing and exchanging 2D and 3D teaching materials and practices, thus improving the quality of teaching (Pivec & Pauschenwein, 2011). Other authors suggest that educational virtual worlds help to improve teachers' skills in particular areas like language teaching (Cheng, Zhan, & Tsai, 2010), classroom management (Mahon, Bryant, Brown, & Kim, 2010), or thinking skills (Gregory & Masters, 2010).…”