Virtual collaboration technologies for action learning

Immersive Technology Strategieswww.davidwortley.com

Virtual Collaboration Technologies for Action Learning

IFAL Conference London27 October 2011

David Wortley FRSAwww.davidwortley.com


Potential Opportunities to use Action Learning

Action learning can be a useful, even revelatory, experience at times of change, when it is necessary to look at new ways of doing things.

Similarly, action learning is likely to be helpful when we are faced with major challenges or when we need new perspectives, not only on the external situations or issues as presented but also on our internal selves and our workingrelationships.


Described Benefits

There is vast potential to explore our work, our selves, our self-awareness and our responsibilities. People often say that action learning simply gives them the time and space they aren’t normally able to find.

With the objective challenge and support of the group, set members are able to create an objective narrative around issues. They can refer back to this and learn from it, not only from the exploration of the issue itself but from the flushing out of any underlying assumptions and mental models which may or may not have been helpful.


Virtual EnvironmentsNew Ways of Doing Things

TeleconferencingVirtual ClassroomsSkypeVirtual WorldsWhat’s Next


Virtual Environments / Worldsin Perspective


Virtual Worlds are NOT New


Virtual Worlds


Virtual Worlds Facilitation

The good guide / mentor / facilitator unlocks the potential of virtual worlds


Virtual Worlds and Learning

UK Teacher Tim Rylands uses Myst as a virtual world catalyst to teach literacy


What Virtual Worlds do for us

Encourage imaginationSupport explorationCreate opportunitiesHelp understandingEngage our interestDevelop networksBuild relationshipsSave travel costs


Teleconferencing

Very cheap and easy to set up but what are the advantages and challenges ?


Virtual Classroom

Adds video and graphics plus text chat and breakout facilities what are the benefits and challenges ?


Skype and Instant Messaging

Skype, Windows Messenger and Facebook provide tools to connect individuals and groups


Virtual Worlds

Meet in an immersive virtual space with your own avatar

What are the benefits and challenges ?


New Kids on the Block

Google is combining social networking with virtual meeting spaces for “hang-outs”


Virtual Environments / WorldsChallenges and Opportunities


Trust

How do virtual environments affect trust and perception ?


Common Understanding ?

Do virtual worlds bring new challenges to learning ?


Necessary Skills

Can bringing together multiple disciplines and backgrounds add to the action learning

experience ?


Visualising Data

Does the ability to visualise information and concepts in richer ways add to the learning effectiveness ?


The Role of the Facilitator

How are the action learning roles of presenter and facilitator affected by virtual environments ?


Personal Summary and Conclusion

Virtual environments for learning activities are as old as learning itself and can, used to best effect add real value to supporting the learner using action learning methodologies

Today’s immersive technologies and virtual environments create new and innovative opportunities to extend the reach and effectiveness of action learning but the application of these technologies to action learning needs to be explored more fully to address the range of opportunities and challenges.


Questions


Virtual Collaboration Technologies for Action Learning

IFAL Conference London27 October 2011

David Wortley FRSAwww.davidwortley.com