Design-Based Research with AGILE Sprints to Produce MUVES in Vocational Education

Background

Multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) or virtual worlds have been shown to be valuable for use in education. For example, in her scoping study on the use of virtual worlds to support learning and training, de Freitas (2008) identifies 80 MUVE applications available for education at that time. De Freitas (2008) asserts that MUVEs “in the future may provide a ‘wrapper’ for sets of educational services including e-portfolios, e-learning materials, assignments and class sessions, course module materials, learning games, tracking and monitoring assignments, communications between tutors and learners and e-assessment.” De Freitas is supported by Kirriemuir's (2009) report of virtual world activities in UK universities and colleges. The growth of this approach in New Zealand is described by Hearns’ et al (2011) review of teaching and learning through virtual worlds within seven New Zealand higher education institutions and Gregory et al.’s (2013) expanded review of Australia and New Zealand higher education that concluded the emergent phase of such an innovation that is often characterized by hype was maturing to recognize the many challenges that come with such innovations in education and training.

MUVEs are successful in vocational education and these include a number of simulations. For example, Hudson and Degast-Kennedy (2009) describe a Canadian border simulation in the Second Life® MUVE that was created when post-9/11 security restrictions led to limitations on access to the border. This simulation was used by students preparing to apply to become border security officers. The students practiced interviewing travelers crossing the border using the MUVE. The student outcomes were above expectations when compared to previous classes that had not used the MUVE. Hudson and Degast-Kennedy (2009) observed an improvement in students' grades. They also noted students had a sense of accomplishment of having experienced ‘real world’ border crossing situations. The students also gained confidence in their capacity to interview travelers and saw themselves as having an advantage in the highly competitive screening process undertaken for these border security officer positions.