Virtually+Here

=Virtually Here=

Public Contact Details
Name: Maree Swanson Role in the project: Project Manager Email: maree.swanson@polytechnic.tas.edu.au Project Wiki: Virtually Here Phone: 0438761366 Photo:

[[image:Project_team2.png]]
Project Team (L to R): Sapphire Ceawlin, Rusty Kembla, Ziena Garzo, Rexy Acer

**What is the problem or opportunity you are addressing in this project?**

To improve opportunities for collaborative interaction and communication for students who are geographically isolated, using the Virtual Worlds of Second Life (for adult learners) and Reaction Grid (for students who are under 18 years of age) as the primary learning platforms.

**Who are the learners and how will they benefit from this project?**

The students in the targeted VET Certificate II Hospitality Online class are, located at six rural/ isolated communities throughout Tasmania. It has been difficult to have synchronous class interaction and group communication in the past.

**How are you currently delivering this training? (ie prior to the project)**

This VET program is presently delivered, using Online Campus (Tasmania ) delivery model which incorporates the following: • mixed mode delivery, • WebCT Blackboard as the platform, • Flexible Learning Toolbox 409 - Kitchen Operations, • teacher developed materials ( both digital and non digital), • limited face to face visits, • an On-the-job component in students’ local area. This includes a local support teacher who is a qualified assessor and who coordinates the on the job component and works in partnership with local industry experts.

**Describe how the innovation you are embedding through the project will change this delivery**

Improve the communication, class discussion and interaction opportunities for students in this Online class.This would provide a synchronous, engaging and immersive environment where the teacher and the class can meet on a regular basis, as well as enable increased potential for building relationships, which is a key principal of best practice in all teaching and learning.

Provide opportunities to develop a sense of belonging for individuals and a group identity for the class in this shared space are particularly vital and would be very empowering for these students, who often learn in isolation.

In the long term, replicating a real life environment to support learning through experiential roleplay and action learning, is envisioned.

Replace some face to face visits and hence lower costs of delivery.

Virtual Worlds, Immersive Learning, Engaged Learning, Hospitality, Training, VET, Online Learning, Second Life, Reaction Grid, Elearning
 * Key words**

=2010 Case Study=