This research addresses the assessment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), such as metacognit... more This research addresses the assessment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), such as metacognition, reflection, and problem-solving, in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). We particularly focus on the use of process metrics, their combinations, and various analysis methods that allow VLE platforms to perform automated HOTS assessments. Traditional learning Virtual Reality (VR) An immersive or non-immersive representation of a fully virtual space. In this dissertation and in recent usage, VR and 3DVE are used interchangeably. Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) Computer-created platforms designed to support learning.
2018 IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Virtual Environments for Measurement Systems and Applications (CIVEMSA), 2018
For Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to reach their potential as a mainstream educational tec... more For Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to reach their potential as a mainstream educational technology through employing experiential activities, they need assessment rubrics that are easy to execute and measure. This paper presents a study that investigates the use of automatically collected metrics in a 3D VLE along with metrics related to the learning process derived from established assessment criteria for higher order skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Our study results provide supporting evidence that learning process metrics collected from a 3D VLE can be used for assessing higher order skills to compliments instructor’s understanding of student’s skills levels and to provide the necessary support during the learning process.
Ubiquitous Learning: An International Journal, 2013
In this study, an immersive virtual environment was designed for students from different discipli... more In this study, an immersive virtual environment was designed for students from different disciplines to practice their teamwork skills. In the case of a domestic violence 911 call, an emergency team is formed with police officers, nurses, child care workers and paramedics. The newly formed team needs to collaborate and communicate effectively to handle the situation. An avatar based virtual environment was designed to provide a simulation opportunity to team members. Visually, the virtual environment appears to the user as a campus with a series of buildings that avatars can enter and performs related simulations. A police office, fire hall, five houses and two government building were created for that purpose as well as collaboration spaces and lecture hall. An auditorium is designed as well for group briefing and lecturing. Sixty recent graduate participants simulate their teamwork both in p
In this study, a team building Multi User Virtual Environment (MUVE) is designed specifically for... more In this study, a team building Multi User Virtual Environment (MUVE) is designed specifically for professional teams to practice and improve communication and collaboration skills in a relaxed, non-task related, game like environment. Web.alive platform is used as MUVE. , by Istvan Banyai, that is used for improving team building skills in real life is adapted into this environment. The game is applied to a pilot group. The results are promising, implying that MUVEs can be substituted for face-to-face played serious games and organizations can benefit from these environments.
2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW)
This paper presents the early research finding of our approach to utilize an immersive virtual re... more This paper presents the early research finding of our approach to utilize an immersive virtual reality (IVR) environment as an educational tool in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The proposed approach is demonstrated for the science laboratory. Realistic environment and interactions, immersive presence, automatic (in-app) data collection, and the possibility of following different educational theories such as experiential learning and use of the actual course content are among features that make this approach novel and help address existing shortcomings in STEM education, especially during COVID-19 restrictions. An initial usability study and VR presence survey were completed. Finding suggests that the majority of users found the environment realistic, memorable, and easy to use and learn. A full study is underway to compare the same application on Desktop VR (DVR) and text-based/2D safety training.
In this study, we investigate students’ online activity patterns as recorded by a Learning Manage... more In this study, we investigate students’ online activity patterns as recorded by a Learning Management System (LMS), along Attention and Participation dimensions, to see if there is any correlation between students Attention activity pattern, Participation activity pattern, and grade-based performance. We hypothesize that LMS-based tracking of attention and participation activities can be used as an early measure of performance and the required support. Our findings show potential for such an approach.
This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, ... more This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, with focus on features such as telemetrics, immersiveness, content presentation tools, and web integration. We provide the outline of a joint project by Carleton University and Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada, aimed at providing an immersive online learning solution to enable emergency workers from different disciplines to learn the necessary skills to handle domestic violence emergency scenarios effectively. To accomplish this task, a tool was used to enable online real-time immersive learning via simulated 3D avatar based collaboration in real-time via a web-browser. In addition to providing a rich environment for learning, this tool affords us access to significant telemetric data that is presented here and may be used for further research into learning and collaboration research. Our methodology, experience, and early results are captured and presented as well as future possibili...
Integrating Multi-User Virtual Environments in Modern Classrooms
This chapter explores perspectives from general learning theories in relation to affordances of 3... more This chapter explores perspectives from general learning theories in relation to affordances of 3D virtual learning environments (3DVLEs) in order to substantiate a theoretically informed pedagogical design process. Following this review, the authors describe 3DVLE space and task design used as part of an English for Academic Purpose (EAP) course at a Canadian university. The design process is then contextualized according to a Phillips, McNaught, and Kennedy's (2010, 2012) learning framework called Learning Environment, Learning Processes, and Learning Outcomes (LEPO). The authors share sample tasks and screen shots of the 3DVLE, as well as teacher and designer recommendations for future designs. In conclusion, the authors stress the importance of drawing on multiple learning theories to illuminate the affordances of the space. Further, they call for empirical research that makes use of telemetric data in the assessment of learner interaction in relation to achieving learning o...
The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, ... more The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, communicate to the public by telecommunication or on the Internet, loan, distribute and sell theses worldwide, for commercial or noncommercial purposes, in microform, paper, electronic and/or any other formats. L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans Ie monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou autres formats.
The use of virtual environments and on-line collaboration tools are rapidly growing. Educators an... more The use of virtual environments and on-line collaboration tools are rapidly growing. Educators and researchers are working together on designing virtual environments, for not only delivering the content, but also offering virtual facilities to practice newly learned skills, thus ...
This paper addresses the issue of using virtual spaces as a learning environment. With the advanc... more This paper addresses the issue of using virtual spaces as a learning environment. With the advances in e-Learning systems, the education community shows a growing interest in using online tools for educational purposes. The case studies presented in this paper ...
This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, ... more This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, with focus on features such as telemetrics, immersiveness, content presentation tools, and web integration. We provide the outline of a joint project by Carleton University ...
This research addresses the assessment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), such as metacognit... more This research addresses the assessment of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), such as metacognition, reflection, and problem-solving, in Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs). We particularly focus on the use of process metrics, their combinations, and various analysis methods that allow VLE platforms to perform automated HOTS assessments. Traditional learning Virtual Reality (VR) An immersive or non-immersive representation of a fully virtual space. In this dissertation and in recent usage, VR and 3DVE are used interchangeably. Virtual Learning Environments (VLE) Computer-created platforms designed to support learning.
2018 IEEE International Conference on Computational Intelligence and Virtual Environments for Measurement Systems and Applications (CIVEMSA), 2018
For Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to reach their potential as a mainstream educational tec... more For Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs) to reach their potential as a mainstream educational technology through employing experiential activities, they need assessment rubrics that are easy to execute and measure. This paper presents a study that investigates the use of automatically collected metrics in a 3D VLE along with metrics related to the learning process derived from established assessment criteria for higher order skills such as critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Our study results provide supporting evidence that learning process metrics collected from a 3D VLE can be used for assessing higher order skills to compliments instructor’s understanding of student’s skills levels and to provide the necessary support during the learning process.
Ubiquitous Learning: An International Journal, 2013
In this study, an immersive virtual environment was designed for students from different discipli... more In this study, an immersive virtual environment was designed for students from different disciplines to practice their teamwork skills. In the case of a domestic violence 911 call, an emergency team is formed with police officers, nurses, child care workers and paramedics. The newly formed team needs to collaborate and communicate effectively to handle the situation. An avatar based virtual environment was designed to provide a simulation opportunity to team members. Visually, the virtual environment appears to the user as a campus with a series of buildings that avatars can enter and performs related simulations. A police office, fire hall, five houses and two government building were created for that purpose as well as collaboration spaces and lecture hall. An auditorium is designed as well for group briefing and lecturing. Sixty recent graduate participants simulate their teamwork both in p
In this study, a team building Multi User Virtual Environment (MUVE) is designed specifically for... more In this study, a team building Multi User Virtual Environment (MUVE) is designed specifically for professional teams to practice and improve communication and collaboration skills in a relaxed, non-task related, game like environment. Web.alive platform is used as MUVE. , by Istvan Banyai, that is used for improving team building skills in real life is adapted into this environment. The game is applied to a pilot group. The results are promising, implying that MUVEs can be substituted for face-to-face played serious games and organizations can benefit from these environments.
2021 IEEE Conference on Virtual Reality and 3D User Interfaces Abstracts and Workshops (VRW)
This paper presents the early research finding of our approach to utilize an immersive virtual re... more This paper presents the early research finding of our approach to utilize an immersive virtual reality (IVR) environment as an educational tool in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The proposed approach is demonstrated for the science laboratory. Realistic environment and interactions, immersive presence, automatic (in-app) data collection, and the possibility of following different educational theories such as experiential learning and use of the actual course content are among features that make this approach novel and help address existing shortcomings in STEM education, especially during COVID-19 restrictions. An initial usability study and VR presence survey were completed. Finding suggests that the majority of users found the environment realistic, memorable, and easy to use and learn. A full study is underway to compare the same application on Desktop VR (DVR) and text-based/2D safety training.
In this study, we investigate students’ online activity patterns as recorded by a Learning Manage... more In this study, we investigate students’ online activity patterns as recorded by a Learning Management System (LMS), along Attention and Participation dimensions, to see if there is any correlation between students Attention activity pattern, Participation activity pattern, and grade-based performance. We hypothesize that LMS-based tracking of attention and participation activities can be used as an early measure of performance and the required support. Our findings show potential for such an approach.
This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, ... more This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, with focus on features such as telemetrics, immersiveness, content presentation tools, and web integration. We provide the outline of a joint project by Carleton University and Algonquin College in Ottawa, Canada, aimed at providing an immersive online learning solution to enable emergency workers from different disciplines to learn the necessary skills to handle domestic violence emergency scenarios effectively. To accomplish this task, a tool was used to enable online real-time immersive learning via simulated 3D avatar based collaboration in real-time via a web-browser. In addition to providing a rich environment for learning, this tool affords us access to significant telemetric data that is presented here and may be used for further research into learning and collaboration research. Our methodology, experience, and early results are captured and presented as well as future possibili...
Integrating Multi-User Virtual Environments in Modern Classrooms
This chapter explores perspectives from general learning theories in relation to affordances of 3... more This chapter explores perspectives from general learning theories in relation to affordances of 3D virtual learning environments (3DVLEs) in order to substantiate a theoretically informed pedagogical design process. Following this review, the authors describe 3DVLE space and task design used as part of an English for Academic Purpose (EAP) course at a Canadian university. The design process is then contextualized according to a Phillips, McNaught, and Kennedy's (2010, 2012) learning framework called Learning Environment, Learning Processes, and Learning Outcomes (LEPO). The authors share sample tasks and screen shots of the 3DVLE, as well as teacher and designer recommendations for future designs. In conclusion, the authors stress the importance of drawing on multiple learning theories to illuminate the affordances of the space. Further, they call for empirical research that makes use of telemetric data in the assessment of learner interaction in relation to achieving learning o...
The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, ... more The author has granted a nonexclusive license allowing Library and Archives Canada to reproduce, publish, archive, preserve, conserve, communicate to the public by telecommunication or on the Internet, loan, distribute and sell theses worldwide, for commercial or noncommercial purposes, in microform, paper, electronic and/or any other formats. L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive permettant a la Bibliotheque et Archives Canada de reproduire, publier, archiver, sauvegarder, conserver, transmettre au public par telecommunication ou par I'lnternet, preter, distribuer et vendre des theses partout dans Ie monde, a des fins commerciales ou autres, sur support microforme, papier, electronique et/ou autres formats.
The use of virtual environments and on-line collaboration tools are rapidly growing. Educators an... more The use of virtual environments and on-line collaboration tools are rapidly growing. Educators and researchers are working together on designing virtual environments, for not only delivering the content, but also offering virtual facilities to practice newly learned skills, thus ...
This paper addresses the issue of using virtual spaces as a learning environment. With the advanc... more This paper addresses the issue of using virtual spaces as a learning environment. With the advances in e-Learning systems, the education community shows a growing interest in using online tools for educational purposes. The case studies presented in this paper ...
This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, ... more This paper addresses the issue of online education through 3D avatar-based virtual environments, with focus on features such as telemetrics, immersiveness, content presentation tools, and web integration. We provide the outline of a joint project by Carleton University ...
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