The Design of Immersive Virtual Learning Environments Utilizing Problem-Based Learning Templates

Introduction

The potential of educational games that are designed based on constructivist learning theories, a problem-based learning educational model and assessed using holistic assessment rubics is to redefine what education and learning is today from a passive learner model to an active immersive learning model where engagement and meaning-making result in effective and efficient learning. This chapter will define the core learning theories that underlie problem-based learning, the design protocol for a virtual problem-based learning educational forum and discuss future trends for games in education.

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method that addresses the complex knowledge and skill applications that students will face in the future by participating as problems solvers to tackle complex, ill-structured problems that mirror real world problems. One of the tenets of PBL is that it is difficult to give meaning to knowledge once it is removed out of context. PBL immerses the students in a context similar to the one the problem would normally occur outside the classroom. The students additionally can consider themselves active members of their community of students within the context of the problem but respond with less risk and intensity than those in actual practice, a phenomena Lave and Wenger (1991) called legitimate peripheral participation (LPP). Although the there are varied designs of PBL environments the design of the problem space should involve an ill-structured problem of “wicked” complexity (Rittel, 1984).

Problem-based learning (PBL) has gained attention as a potential for educational settings as a result of several recent developments including

• 1.

  An increasing need to correlate theoretical models and practical realities into varied educational settings,

• 2.

  Increasing information accessibility and the resulting knowledge age,

• 3.

  The increased use of multidisciplinary approaches to problem simulations,

• 4.

  Emphasis on multi-dimensional modeling and virtual reality, and

• 5.

  New developments in cognitive science

Problem-Based Learning proposes that learning experiences build on the interdependent attributes of meaningful learning including authentic, intentional, active, constructive, and cooperative learning and involve meaningful application of knowledge and skills (Jonassen, Peck & Wilson, 1999). In PBL environments a problem triggers cognitive engagement including the psychological processes of context for engagement, curiosity, inquiry and a quest to address a real-world issue. Examples of cognitive processes embedded in PBL design include confronting ill-structuredness and novelty, active search for information, proactive immersion in task, conscious and subconscious investment of time on task, motivation to solve the problem, need for meaning and explanation, a learning goal orientation, and a requirement of generative thinking, analytical thinking, divergent thinking and synthesis (Tan, 2003). In productive problem-based learning environments, learners consider themselves active members of their community of learners within the context of solving the problem, a phenomena Lave and Wenger (1991) call legitimate peripheral participation (LPP). As a result problem-based learning has an incredible potential to develop advanced learning and knowledge responses. When integrated into immersive virtual learning environments, educational game, PBL becomes the core design feature for developing advanced learning processes and skills necessary for the knowledge workers of the future.