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Scholarship July 3, 2025

Design for Learning in Virtual Worlds

The Wabash Center

Author
Nelson, Brian C., and Erlandson, Benjamin E.
Publisher
Routledge, New York, NY
ISBN
9780415886406
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements

Part One: Introduction and Overview
ch. 1 Definition and History of Virtual Worlds for Education
ch. 2 Mechanics of Virtual Worlds: The World
ch. 3 Mechanics of Virtual Worlds: The GUI

Part Two: Theoretical Basis For Learning and Assessment In Virtual Worlds
ch. 4 Theoretical Basis for Learning in Virtual Worlds
ch. 5 Defining the Context of Virtual Worlds
ch. 6 Measurement and Assessment with Virtual Worlds

Part Three: Theoretical Perspectives: Design For Learning In Virtual Worlds
ch. 7 Critiquing Virtual Worlds and Virtual-World-based
ch. 8 Designing Curricula for Virtual Worlds
ch. 9 Designing Measures for Assessment with Virtual Worlds

Part Four: Beyond Design: Development and Implementation of Virtual Worlds
ch. 10 Developing Virtual Worlds for Learning Introduction
ch. 11 Implementation and Evaluation of Virtual Worlds in Multiple Contexts

Index
From the Publisher
Design for Learning in Virtual Worlds, the first book focused specifically on how to design virtual worlds for educational purposes, explores:

• the history and evolution of virtual worlds
• the theories behind the use of virtual worlds for learning
• the design of curricula in virtual worlds
• design guidelines for elements experienced in virtual worlds that support learning
• design guidelines for learning quests and activities in virtual worlds.

The authors also examine the theories and associated design principles used to create embedded assessments in virtual worlds. Finally, a framework and methodology is provided to assist professionals in evaluating "off-the-shelf" virtual worlds for use in educational and training settings. Design for Learning in Virtual Worlds will be invaluable both as a professional resource and as a textbook for courses within Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, and Library Media programs that focus on gaming or online learning environments.