Editorial
Abstract
Pratical Experience
Problems
Simulations
VR in teaching
Multi-User VR
Multi-User VR in teaching
Assessment
Observation Study
Benefits
Data Capture
Ethical Issues
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
Case Studies Index
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Multi-User Virtual Reality Technology as a Laboratory for Learning
about Social Research: Issues and Prospects
Ralph Schroeder & Ray Lee
Department of Social Policy and Social
Science
Royal Holloway - University of London
Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX
Email: r.m.lee@rhbnc.ac.uk
Schroeder@mot.chalmers.se
Abstract
This paper describes a project to use multi-user virtual reality (VR) in
teaching about social research. It begins by pointing to some of the problems
in current research methods teaching and to some of the more general problems
encountered in field research. Next it describes how simulations have been used
to address some of these problems, what multi-user VR is, and how it might be
used in teaching. At this stage the essay gives an account of the teaching
sessions that were carried for this project, as well as of a separate
participant observation study - and assesses the usefulness and benefits of
this type of teaching and research. It also reports on a further part of the
project which dealt with data capture about virtual populations and discusses
some of additional tools that may be required for this. And since a number of
ethical issues were raised in the course of this research, these are discussed
at some length. We conclude that although much further investigation about
using multi-user VR as a teaching tool is needed, this technology offers a host
of possibilities that may fundamentally change the nature of social science
teaching and research.
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