Author Description

Design For Learning In Virtual Worlds, The First Book Focused Specifically On How To Design Virtual Worlds For Educational Purposes, Explores: * The History And Evolution Of Virtual Worlds * The Theories Behind The Use Of Virtual Worlds For Learning * The Design Of Curricula In Virtual Worlds * Design Guidelines For Elements Experienced In Virtual Worlds That Support Learning * Design Guidelines For Learning Quests And Activities In Virtual Worlds. The Authors Also Examine The Theories And Associated Design Principles Used To Create Embedded Assessments In Virtual Worlds. Finally, A Framework And Methodology Is Provided To Assist Professionals In Evaluating Off-the-shelf Virtual Worlds For Use In Educational And Training Settings. Design For Learning In Virtual Worlds Will Be Invaluable Both As A Professional Resource And As A Textbook For Courses Within Educational Technology, Learning Sciences, And Library Media Programs That Focus On Gaming Or Online Learning Environments.