Responding to the widening participation agenda through improved access to and within 3D virtual learning environments

Denise Wood; J Willems

doi:10.14742/ajet.845

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Responding to the widening participation agenda through improved access to and within 3D virtual learning environments

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Responding to the widening participation agenda through improved access to and within 3D virtual learning environments

Denise Wood and J Willems

Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Vol.28(3), pp.459-479

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14742/ajet.845

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Abstract

Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Specialist Studies in Education

The Australian Government's widening participation agenda - also referred to as the social inclusion agenda - considers equity through the triple focus of access, participation and outcomes. These foci are catalysts for re-examining teaching and learning approaches in formal education. This article considers this national refocus and the possibilities for addressing access and equity issues through and within threedimensional virtual learning environments (3DVLEs). The findings of an Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC)-funded project that investigated the potential of an accessible 3DVLE for increasing access and participation of students with disabilities are reported, and strategies for improving outcomes (i.e. retention, success and completion) proposed. The article also highlights some of the remaining challenges with regard to the goal of improving outcomes for under-represented learner groups. The final section of the article identifies areas for further research.

Details

Title: Responding to the widening participation agenda through improved access to and within 3D virtual learning environments
Authors: Denise Wood (Author) - University of South Australia
J Willems (Author) - Monash University
Publication details: Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, Vol.28(3), pp.459-479
Publisher: Australasian Society for Computers in Learning in Tertiary Education (A S C I L I T E)
Date published: 2012
DOI: 10.14742/ajet.845
ISSN: 1449-5554
Organisation Unit: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450634902621
Output Type: Journal article

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