This tutorial illustrates how 3D Collaborative Virtual Environments (CVEs) can be used as a tool for a wide range of educational activities, in particular for creative collaborative elaboration and visualization of educational content. 3D visualization is a powerful tool for supporting understanding of complex concepts and is widely used in educational context. Due to the increasing possibilities of multimedia and VR technology, 3D CVEs are to a greater degree used to demonstrate concepts that are difficult to represent efficiently enough in reality. 3D CVEs provide a constructivist learning environment where learners can collaboratively construct their understanding by exploring, building and sharing their experiences with peers. In addition, such virtual environments can act as a stimulating framework around collaborative creative processes and facilitate uninhibited 'brainstorming' by learners.

After a theoretical introduction and a demo of existing 3D educational virtual environments, the participants of the tutorial will have a practical session in a virtual world (e.g. Active Worlds or Second Life), creating a simple educational visualization of a topic they choose. The tutorial will be concluded by a discussion and evaluation session, allowing the participants to reflect on their experiences.

The target audience for this tutorial are those interested in collaborative technologies in educational settings and especially the possibilities of 3D visualizations for supporting the understanding of complex concepts and the collaborative creative process. It could also be interesting for educators looking for innovative technological solutions for supplementing and enhancing classroom learning.

No previous experience is required.

In this tutorial we examine issues in investigating no-to-low cost mobile learning strategies and tools to improve active active experiential student learning. Participants use their own internet mobile device to demonstrate the facilitator's minteract tool to improve interaction in learning spaces. We discuss the issues that arise and why theories of active experiential learning are important to mobile learning strategies and practices. We examine directions for needed mobile learning research and identify potential projects. We form initial international project teams and start to prepare persuasive project funding proposals.

Objectives of the Tutorial

By the completion of the tutorial participants will be able to:

1. Understand  how sustainable no-to-low cost mlearning can enhance active experiential learning,
2. Use the minteract online tool to improve active engagement in learning spaces at no-to-low cost,
3. Identify their preferred mobile learning research interests,
4. Form initial international collaborative mlearning research project teams with other tutorial participants,
5. Understand the activities required to successfully propose mlearning research projects focusing on the importance of planning and the timeline
6. Prepare a draft proposal for mlearning research project funding including concept, rationale, objectives, outcomes and deliverables informed by the facilitator's learner-centred design framework.

Intended audience and degree of expertise required by participants

Conference participants who are interested in getting involved in mobile technology and learning design and development research projects. No prior experience is required though enthusiasm for mlearning is helpful.