A Multi-user virtual environment for building higher order inquiry skills in science

This study investigated novel pedagogies for helping teachers infuse inquiry into a standards-based science curriculum. Using a Multi-User Virtual Environment(MUVE) as a pedagogical vehicle, teams of middle school students collaboratively solved problems around disease in a virtual town called River City. Students interacted with “avatars” of other students, digital artifacts, and computer-based “agents” acting as mentors and colleagues in a virtual community of practice set during the time period when bacteria was just being discovered. This paper describes the results from three implementations of the River City virtual environment in 2004 with approximately 2000 students from geographical diverse urban areas. Results indicate that students were able to conduct inquiry in virtual worlds and were motivated by that process. However, results from assessments vary depending on assessment strategy employed.