Michael Allen's 2009 e-Learning Annual

13.4. CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE DESIGN

As described above, our experiences with virtual learning worlds indicates that designing instruction within a 3D environment requires careful consideration of instructional design strategies and methods. As with all instructional design, the design strategy chosen for creating instruction in a virtual learning world depends on the desired learning outcome.

Design considerations range from synchronous learning led by a facilitator to self-paced exploratory activities during which the learner discovers information by him- or herself through guided experiences and clear learning objectives. Each learning design within a virtual learning world has advantages and disadvantages, and the best instructional design ...