Title: Design and use of a networked 3D-learning environment: the situated conditions of awareness information

Authors: Ingeborg Krange, Annita Fjuk

Addresses: InterMedia, University of Oslo and Telenor R&D, PB 1161 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway. ' InterMedia, University of Oslo and Telenor R&D, PB 1161 Blindern, 0318 Oslo, Norway

Abstract: Recent research has to a limited extent explored the situated conditions of different kinds of awareness information in distributed collaborative learning environments. We approach this issue by developing a set of design principles related to a networked 3D-learning environment. The principles constitute the following relationships outlined from socio-cultural perspectives: actor-object, object-object, and actor-actor. In these relationships among students, we illustrate how awareness information is shaped and developed throughout their social interactions during task solving. We conclude by emphasising the importance of meta-communicative actions as part of meaningful knowledge construction in distributed collaboration. In addition, we identify four tensions between the design principles and the actual knowledge construction.

Keywords: networked 3D learning environment; socio-cultural theories; awareness information; design principles; meta-communicative actions; interaction analysis; collaborative learning; distributed learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2004.004490

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2004 Vol.4 No.1, pp.5 - 21

Published online: 10 May 2004 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article