Using an Online Simulated World to Promote Global Competence

• In Event: 66.030 - Innovations in Virtual Reality and Virtual Worlds

Abstract

Examines the impact of a simulated world on student engagement, motivation for social studies, and understanding of what countries must know and do in order to be successful in a global context. Using a pretest-posttest design, sixty-two (n = 62) middle school students led simulated countries for eight two-hour sessions, confronting national and international challenges such as resource scarcity and natural disasters. Findings showed high levels of engagement, an increase in social studies motivation, and significant changes in participants’ understanding of the features and actions of successful countries. The paper closes by discussing how social studies simulations might be designed to promote student engagement and learning while developing the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to support global competence.

Authors

• Dan Hoffman, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Seungoh Paek, University of Hawaii - Manoa

• Helen O. Au, University of Hawaii at Manaoa