Title: A theoretical cybernetic macro-script to articulate collaborative interactions of cyber entities in virtual worlds

Authors: Nikolaos Pellas

Addresses: Department of Product and Systems Design Engineering, University of the Aegean, Konstantinoupoleos 2, Hermoupolis, Syros, Cyclades, PC: GR-84100, Greece

Abstract: Nowadays, the dissemination and exploitation of three-dimensional (3D) multi-user virtual worlds in higher education have been disclosed from their widespread acceptance as candidate learning platforms. However, it is still lacking a theoretical cybernetic macro-script to elaborate the coordination of multiple complex interactions among users' participation. The purpose of this study is to present and articulate a cybernetic macro-script focused on the systemic organisational structure replicated through the conjunction of cybernetic structures proposed by the viable system model (VSM) and the Jigsaw teaching technique to be amplified an exploratory-collaborative learning process, which may engage students in argumentative knowledge construction. This approach may allow educators and scholars to handle efficiently the cyber entities' (avatars) in-world complex interactions through purposeful participatory learning tasks. A cybernetic macro-script held in Open Sim can be sufficiently established as valuable with insightful perspectives by surpassing irrefutable shortcomings for future-driven sustainable use and growth.

Keywords: collaboration; CSCL; computer-supported collaborative learning; cyber entities; cybernetics; Jigsaw; macro-script; Open Sim; VSM; viable system model; virtual worlds; higher education; e-learning; electronic learning; online learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLC.2014.063126

International Journal of Learning and Change, 2014 Vol.7 No.3/4, pp.156 - 180

Received: 29 Jul 2013
Accepted: 19 Dec 2013
Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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