Learning Assignments in Virtual Worlds: Theoretical Systematization and Didactical Requirements

Functions and Didactical Requirements of Learning Assignments

A didactical preparation of the content does not suffice to ensure successful learning. Assignments encourage learners to examine learning contents, whereby learning processes are invoked. To what extent this attempt is successful depends on various factors as for example whether tasks should be solved alone or by working in groups, the type of assignment, the support or the feedback provided. Thus it is necessary to prepare a close matching with the contextual focus before designing a learning assignment. Previously, there are some fundamental questions which have to be considered as for example: What are the learning objectives? Do learners define their own objectives? What basic conditions (characteristics of the target group, external respectively institutional conditions) must be regarded? The answers to these questions are the basis for the design of learning assignments.

Learning assignments in media-supported learning environments have two main functions: to ensure and to activate learning processes (Petschenka, Ojstersek & Kerres, 2004). Referring to learning in virtual worlds, this claim implies that assignments have to be designed in a way, which requires more from the learner than just transiting a learning path superficially or clicking (interactive) objects randomly. Learning-/teaching processes are not automatically improved by the use of virtual worlds.

Learning processes can be encouraged by the use of virtual worlds, but to assure them is certainly a requirement for learning assignments. Instead of securing a learning process which already occurred, the main objective in this context is to inspire the actual learning processes by the use of adequate assignments. They invoke the learning processes themselves by stimulating the necessary cognitive operations as for example reflections on the learning objects as well as appealing to the learners´ emotions and motivations. This instance occurs particularly when learners recognize a reference to their living environment and if the assignment's relevance is directly recognizable for them.

Furthermore learning assignments can encourage social interactions among the learners, a fact which becomes very important in the case the learning process requires discussing an issue (for example if evolving and expressing opinions is required). Learning assignments can also contribute to the emergence of a representational outcome (for example the collaborative design of 3D-objects). In this case the learners achieve their objective by applied practice and the documentation of their learning processes.