Project Activities
Using an iterative research and development process, the team will develop three standards-based 3D virtual learning applications representing real-world locations and supporting teacher materials. In order to assess feasibility and usability, and to gather preliminary data on potential efficacy of the intervention to improve students' science knowledge and skills, a randomized controlled study will be conducted in 26 classrooms. Half of these classrooms will use the intervention while half will continue with the standard curricula. Analyses will compare group differences in student outcomes using standardized test scores. Qualitative observational data will collected from a subset of classrooms.
People and institutions involved
IES program contact(s)
Products and publications
Product Video Demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbEQkKOQVmM
Products: The product will be three games based in 3D virtual environments that are representations of real-world national parks in the United States, including Mesa Verde National Park and World Heritage Site, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands National Marine Sanctuary (with the support of the Cousteau Ocean Futures Society). A teacher manual and toolkit for registering students, assigning activities, and reviewing submitted work, will also be developed.
Questions about this project?
To answer additional questions about this project or provide feedback, please contact the program officer.
