Comparative Analysis of Current Assessment Instruments (CAIs) in Second Life within the Framework of Learner-Course Owner Interactions (original) (raw)

The ascendant virtual network site, Second Life (SL) might be respected as a 3-D multicultural source providing cyber interactions for learners worldwide. Second Life offers an opportunity of close connection on a virtual pattern in where digital groups can construct their own meaning. The platform demonstrates the concept of effective interaction where not only virtual, but also communal collaborative learning occurs. As highlighted by Moe (2008), SL is a semi-structured dynamic environment with no scores, winners, levels, or an end-strategy. The milieu has a prominent reputation in terms of informal learning and user engagement within cyber interactions; however, there are also opposite ideas that presume SL as a limited structure that needs appropriate, andragogical and communicational design in order to generate positive interaction. Although there has been a significant increase in educational activities, modules and learning objects in SL over the past several years, a similar increase has not been observed in the area of instruments readily available to assess learning. This paper will present the literature and resources on currently available assessment tools in-world, as well as ideas on the possibilities which SL could provide synchronous and asynchronous formative assessment opportunities, which may be more challenging in traditional face-to-face or classroom settings. The ability to capitalize on a highly interactive, constructive learning environment, which allows learners to learn, check their learning and also regulate their own paths for learning, has been seen as a powerful learning strategy for informal learning. Second Life enables the learner and course owners to create these dynamic environments, with fewer restrictions that historically seen and possibly enhance learner’s ability to learn anywhere, anytime and by alternate methods. In this paper, the authors’ main objective is to explore current assessment instruments within the scope of learner-course owner interactions and analyze cyber interactions by focusing on specific samples on SL. Key Words: Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Formative Assessment, Informal Education