ERIC Number: EJ1188700
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 25
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1947-8518
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Avatar-Based Group Discussions in Virtual Worlds: Facilitation, Communication Modalities, and Benefits of Participation (Book Chapter Enhancement)
Nussli, Natalie; Oh, Kevin
International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments, v8 n1 Article 1 p1-24 2018
This article focuses on developing guidelines for the effective facilitation of avatar-based group discussions. This qualitative inquiry is guided by an investigation of (1) social affordances of avatar-based discussions, with an emphasis on social and physical presence, (2) strategies to help establish rapport with other avatars, and (3) the complexities of communication modalities (voice vs. text) in avatar-based discussions. The study also explores the benefits and challenges of participating in virtual discussions. The data originated from avatar-based discussion groups in Second Life moderated by expert hosts and co-hosts and were gathered through participant and non-participant observation. Guidelines for the effective moderation of avatar-based discussion groups are presented throughout the chapter, such as, creating a feeling of acceptance and non-judgment, communicating synchronously to support immediacy, demonstrating virtual sharing acts, using voice for humanized communication, showing social emotionality, and observing real-life social norms.
Descriptors: Guidelines, Computer Simulation, Synchronous Communication, Computer Mediated Communication, Group Discussion, Participant Observation, Social Behavior, Behavior Standards, Case Studies, Inservice Teacher Education, Graduate Students, Audio Equipment, Cognitive Ability, Ethnography, Student Participation, Educational Benefits, Student Attitudes, Barriers, Second Language Learning, English (Second Language), German, Native Language
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

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