Title: Applying media synchronicity theory to distance learning in virtual worlds: a design science approach

Authors: Andrea North-Samardzic; Alessio Maria Braccini; Paolo Spagnoletti; Stefano Za

Addresses: Department of Management, Faculty of Business and Economics, Monash University, Sir John Monash Drive, Level 7, Building N, Caulfield, VIC, 3145, Melbourne, Australia ' Dipartimento di Economia e Impresa (DEIM), La Tuscia University, Via del Paradiso, 47, Viterbo, 01100, Italy ' Centro di Ricerca sui Sistemi Informativi (CerSI), LUISS Guido Carli University, Viale Pola, 12, Roma, 00198, Italy ' Centro di Ricerca sui Sistemi Informativi (CerSI), LUISS Guido Carli University, Viale Pola, 12, Roma, 00198, Italy

Abstract: The use of 3D virtual world platforms in learning is growing in popularity. While there are many learning affordances for such environments, including the possibility of doing things impossible in reality, there are some noted drawbacks. In particular the way they can be used for distance learning deserves consideration. In this paper, we focus on the issue of synchronicity and on how it limits the flexibility that distance learning affords. We use e-learning theory and media synchronicity theory to propose an explanatory design theory for distance learning using 3D virtual world to address the problem of synchronicity.

Keywords: 3D virtual worlds; media synchronicity theory; MST; design science research; innovation; distance learning; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIL.2014.060879

International Journal of Innovation and Learning, 2014 Vol.15 No.3, pp.328 - 346

Published online: 21 Jun 2014 *

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