Call for Chapter Proposals

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Permalink Reply by Jan Herder on July 26, 2009 at 1:17pm

Hi, there is a very prevalent misuse of the world "virtual' when referring to 'electronic' platforms, such as Bb and most other distance learning and other LMS's. Virtual Learning Environments are just emerging, replacing flat web, strictly electronic LMS. The Sloodle Moodle interface is an example of a hybrid, but even this is primarily a traditional based assessment structure. As a disruptive technology, virtual --meaning an immersive 3D environment with an avatar/agent representing the student or teacher-- worlds will require an entirely new set of assessment metrics. The promise for emergent and virtual PLE's is an exciting and as of yet unrealized future. I look forward to hearing about the use of the immersive internet in a post constructivist discussion of PLE's. Thanks for the post.
Jan

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Permalink Reply by Jacqui Murray on July 26, 2009 at 1:57pm

If you can write a chapter about that, it might be just what they want. Very informative.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Herder on July 26, 2009 at 4:40pm

Hi Jackie, thanks for the reply and the suggestion. Looking forward to further discussion.
Regards,
Jan

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Permalink Reply by Michael Thomas on July 26, 2009 at 5:35pm

Hi Jan,
Some interesting thoughts, thanks. I think 'virtual' here can also refer to pre-3D immersive worlds (Web 1.0 if you like). There is some confusion about these terms VLE, CMS, LMS, with VLE being much more prevalent in the UK and Europe while CMS/LMS is more prevalent in North America, right? So perhaps best to see VLE as a continuum, from Web 1.0 (the flat Web) through to the emergence of more 3D applications like Sloodle. I don't think PLEs will suddenly replace VLEs as educational institutions are by nature too conservative - what may occur is a gradual transformation of the VLE as the 3D Web becomes more available and this may incorporate greater choice in terms of personal customization of the interface from the learner's perspective. I still think Martin Weller's book on Virtual Learning Environments is the best book out there (2007) - but this new book project is timely given the context of Web 2.0. I hope you'll consider submitting a proposal to develop your interesting ideas. Please spread the word to any one you feel is working in the same area. Best wishes, Michael

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Permalink Reply by Jan Herder on July 26, 2009 at 7:20pm

Hi Michael, thanks for the reply. Yes, good topic. I am struggling with the 'post' constructivist piece of VLE and PLE's..so it might be a good way to flesh that out. Right now in elearning you submit to a flat web solution your institution or instructor has decided on. I suspect, as you do, that students are going to be demanding a customized immersive learning environment that suits their needs. They are already constructing it haphazardly with web 2 and mobile technology. It is a whole new frontier in Instructional design. I will check out Weller's book, thanks!
Jan

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