Sue Gregory - Böcker

Three-dimensional (3D) immersive virtual worlds have been touted asbeing capable of facilitating highly interactive, engaging, multimodallearning experiences. Much of the evidence gathered to support theseclaims has been anecdotal but the potential that these environmentshold to solve traditional problems in online and technology-mediatededucation—primarily learner isolation and studentdisengagement—has resulted in considerable investments in virtualworld platforms like Second Life, OpenSimulator, and Open Wonderland byboth professors and institutions. To justify this ongoing and sustainedinvestment, institutions and proponents of simulated learningenvironments must assemble a robust body of evidence that illustratesthe most effective use of this powerful learning tool.In this authoritative collection, a team of international expertsoutline the emerging trends and developments in the use of 3D virtualworlds for teaching and learning. They explore aspects of learnerinteraction with virtual worlds, such as user wayfinding in SecondLife, communication modes and perceived presence, and accessibilityissues for elderly or disabled learners. They also examine advancedtechnologies that hold potential for the enhancement of learnerimmersion and discuss best practices in the design and implementationof virtual world-based learning interventions and tasks. By evaluatingand documenting different methods, approaches, and strategies, thecontributors to Learning in Virtual Worlds offer importantinformation and insight to both scholars and practitioners in thefield.

This book reviews published research concerning outcomes for deaf children with cochlear implants. The publications selected for review meet certain criteria - they were all published in English, they were published since 1994, and the number of children included in each study was at least 12. A thorough literature search was carried out yielding about 200 articles meeting these criteria. Paediatric Cochlear Implants considers a range of outcomes including use of audition by children, the development of language and quality of life. Advances in cochlear implantation that affect outcomes are also discussed. The book offers critical summaries of relevant papers and an account of the conclusions of the research to date, highlights topics that have received less attention and suggests a framework for considering outcomes. It evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of current research with suggestion for possible future developments.This book will be of interest to all professionals and researchers concerned with deaf children, to parents of deaf children and to purchasers of healthcare services.

The book presents the possibilities and realities of virtual worlds in education through the application of 3D virtual worlds to support authentic learning, creativity, learner engagement and cultural diversity in higher education.