Topic 9 – Designing for Learning Using Virtual Worlds

Posted on Kayla’s Blog on 25th October 2019

Hi Kayla,

I am glad that you were able to give Minecraft a try! We have started using this quite a bit in Science and have found that it can be a great tool if used with strict parameters and guidelines of how to be successful in using the tool for learning activities. Without these in place, students can feel a bit lost and/or can use the program to not fully engage in learning activities. As you mentioned the lovely aspects of this platform is that there are lessons that are aligned with the Australian Curriculum. We have found that it can be a great tool for students to solve challenging problems with no limit on space or money, so a low stakes way to solve problems in a fun engaging way.

My main reservations is the technical skills that teachers may need to have to get to a level where this platform is useful, but as you said with time you would probably get the hang of it. I also worry about students becoming obsessed with using the platform outside of class. Balance is of course, key!

Are there any virtual reality programs for early childhood? I have never heard of any myself but wondering if you have used any in your class.

Thanks,

Julia