0000000000281424
AUTHOR
Stylianos Mystakidis
The Patras blended strategy model for deep and meaningful learning in quality life-long distance education
Life‑long learning is currently being embraced as a central process that could disrupt traditional educational paths. Apparently, the (ideal) type of learning often promoted is deep and meaningful learning, though it is not always required to be so. Deep learning goes beyond superficial knowledge assimilation of unlinked facts; it aims at developing deep disciplinary understanding, transformative knowledge, personal meaning, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, creativity and metacognitive skills. Meaningful learning occurs when learning is active, constructive, intentional, authentic, and cooperative. Technology enhanced teaching and learning methods should prove their potential to t…
OpenQuest: Designing a Motivational Framework for MOOCs Instruction
This paper introduces an innovative motivational framework for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) instructional design coined as Open Quest Framework (OpenQuest). OpenQuest aims to improve learning and user engagement in MOOCs by drawing lessons from the success of quest-based initiatives, gamified web platforms, and massive-multiplayer online games (MMOs). The framework is grounded on established motivational theories such as the Self-Determination Theory and Situated Motivational Affordance. It supplements existing MOOCs design schemes that usually focus on pedagogy, assessment and technology. It features specific motivational mechanisms including, quests and narration, reputation system…
Enter the Serious E-scape Room: A Cost-Effective Serious Game Model for Deep and Meaningful E-learning
Escape rooms are a phenomenon that has taken the world by storm in the last decade. Simultaneously Virtual Reality is a promising technology for innovation in education, training and e-learning. Combining these two concepts, this paper outlines a new model for designing serious games in virtual reality environments for high quality, deep and meaningful learning, the Serious E-scape Room. It describes the theoretical grounding, general guidelines and principles of the model. It also presents the case study “Room of Keys”, a serious virtual escape room for biology concepts. To test the assumptions of the model, researchers conducted a mixed research study with 148 students in a US high school…
DESIGNING AND IMPLEMENTING A BIG OPEN ONLINE COURSE BY USING A 3D VIRTUAL IMMERSIVE ENVIRONMENT – LESSONS LEARNED
Open Education (OE) is a distance learning approach that was strategically chosen by the European Commission (EC) to encourage cost-effective training, upskilling and reskilling of large population groups and workforce with speed and flexibility. Institutions and businesses design and offer Open Online Courses (OOCs) to address skill gaps, organizational and societal needs. OOCs and especially Massive OOCs (MOOCs) are suffering from high rates of attrition, which is attributed to various factors such as learner isolation and lack of motivation to complete the course. Recommendations to address the retention gap in MOOCs include adopting a participation-driven approach, using game design tec…
Deep and Meaningful E-Learning with Social Virtual Reality Environments in Higher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Deep and meaningful learning (DML) in distant education should be an essential outcome of quality education. In this literature review, we focus on e-learning effectiveness along with the factors and conditions leading to DML when using social virtual reality environments (SVREs) in distance mode higher education (HE). Hence, a systematic literature review was conducted summarizing the findings from thirty-three empirical studies in HE between 2004 (appearance of VR) and 2019 (before coronavirus appearance). We searched for the cognitive, social, and affective aspects of DML in a research framework and studied their weight in SVREs. The findings suggest that the use of SVREs can provide aut…
Toward Successfully Integrating Mini Learning Games into Social Virtual Reality Environments : Recommendations for Improving Open and Distance Learning
Social virtual reality environments, also known as 3D virtual immersive environments, are threedimensional computer-generated virtual spaces that are increasingly used in attendance-based and distance education. Thanks to their unique characteristics that separate them from two-dimensional virtual learning environments, social virtual reality environments can enhance distance education efficacy when used in combination with applying instructional methodologies such as situated learning, experiential learning and game-based learning. The authors of this paper describe the design and findings of a research study on game-based learning in social virtual immersive environments. The research met…
The case of literacy motivation : Playful 3D immersive learning environments and problem-focused education for blended digital storytelling
The University of Patras' Library Services designed and offered to primary and secondary schools the pilot educational program “From the Ancient to the Modern Tablets”, featuring immersive multimedia learning experiences about the book history. The pilot program consisted of three stages: a playful library tour, followed by an interactive game-based digital storytelling activity with game elements, and a collaborative creative reflective hands-on activity. Utilizing the avatar psychology power, the visualization and simulation affordances of 3D immersive learning environments and the appeal of storytelling and game-based learning, the “gamified” blended narrative on the book evolution enabl…