UNC Teaching and Learning with Technology Conference

As the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education expands, it is important to examine which pedagogical approaches are most likely to bring about success. AET Zone, a 3D immersive virtual world use by Appalachian State University faculty for more than seven years, is one embodiment of pedagogical innovation that capitalizes on what virtual worlds have to offer to social aspects of teaching and learning. The presenters characterize this approach as Presence Pedagogy (P2), a way of teaching and learning that is grounded in social constructivist theory. Faculty members using AET Zone will describe Presence Pedagogy and explain how this new pedagogy has guided teaching and learning in their virtual world. Specific strategies on how to capitalize on the sense of presence and co-presence will be shared.