Technological Readiness for Teaching Practices in Immersive Learning Environments Open Sim

María Graciela Badilla Quintana (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile)

Miquel Àngel Prats Fernández (Universitat Ramon Llull, City)

Marcelo Careaga Butter (Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Chile)

Juan Carlos Gacitúa (Universidad de Concepción, Chile)

Cecilia Vásquez Carillo (University of Bridgeport, USA)

Abstract: This article presents some results obtained partially during the first year of the TYMMI project. TYMMI's aim is to strengthen the professional performance of pre-service teachers in the real classroom. Through the design of a free immersive virtual world Open Sim we have developed a technology readiness for 27 pre-service high school English teachers who are preparing their career at Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepcion, in Chile. Initial results show some evidence of working in a three dimensional environment and in a virtual learning platform (called EV@ supported by Moodle) through Sloodle. One of the first findings we have gathered are: motivation for using these environments, strengthening ICT skills, and also technological difficulties for the development of the academic activities of interaction during teaching practices.

Keywords: Open Sim, Sloodle, Virtual Worlds, teaching practices

Categories: L.2.3, L.5.0, L.6.1