Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Games and Virtual Reality Combine for Learning

Abstract

The places where Virtual Reality (VR) can really make a difference in learning are those in which the VR can bring a truly unique experience to students. The simulated online world of games is an ideal way to take advantage of the capabilities of this new technology. Games provide a set of structures that not only scaffold learners in solving complex problems but also provide a great deal of freedom to explore personally interesting pathways. In particular, Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games (MMOs) offer an environment that supports social learning and exploration around increasingly challenging problems. VR can greatly enhance MMOs through opportunities for more natural and expressive communication and collaboration as well as ways to visualize the complex information resulting from interactions in this space. When this approach is applied in an educational context, learners can be presented with challenging problems, requiring participation from multiple players around realistic scientific concepts. As this genre moves forward it can explore interesting hybrid approaches that combine VR with Augmented Reality (AR) and traditional displays to meet the needs of schools, teachers, and learners.