Appalachian State University has customised Active Worlds software to create its Appalachian Education Technology Zone. Active Worlds (www.activeworlds.com) is promoted as an educational platform. Many educational institutions use Active Worlds software.
Active Worlds technology can be used under licence by educational institutes, which become responsible for development and maintenance. AET Zone is a guided, highly structured 3-D environment in which student and teacher interaction occurs. It is designed for educational purposes within the faculty of Education at Appalachian State University and simulates some aspects of campus life.
AET Zone can be accessed only by registered numbers – using passwords and accounts administered by the university. Because it is a university-specific site, it is well maintained and managed by a dedicated team of university staff who act as help desk, account managers and in other relevant roles.
Student and world licensing from Active Worlds (www.activeworlds.com/edu/awedu_pricing.asp ) is complex and not designed for individual participants.
Participant engagement is limited by the fact that AET Zone does not take full advantage of the potential of the 3-D environment. Students and teachers are able to select from established avatars with the possibility of some customisation of their appearance. It allows students to read and discuss and is primarily text-based. AET Zone is built by developers, although some media students are also able to design and build. It is a simulation of the university environment which provides remote access to the library, timetable, lecture notes and synchronous and a-synchronous discussions. The site is particularly useful as a collaborative learning tool and in helping students in times of being snowed in (literally) and unable to attend lectures.
AET Zone allows text-based communication and, with iVocalise software added, allows audio chat as well. These tools enable students to access information in a far broader way than to the other two virtual worlds examined. Different tools are able to be accessed in different areas – which allows great versatility.
As real interaction is limited, once the graphics are loaded bandwidth requirements are relatively low. There are firewall issues – but these are relatively easily addressed.
This remains clearly in the hands of the Appalachian State University, which has developed and maintains the site.
Benefits:
AET Zone is an attractive way for students to access information and can be used to learn remotely. It allows media design students to be involved with a real-life project and offers students an excellent workspace.
Limitations:
It needs a strong body of developers to develop and maintain the site. It does not allow personal creativity or exploration to the same extent as the other sites examined. There are relatively expensive establishment and ongoing maintenance costs.
Virtual Worlds:
Australian Flexible Learning Framework