The Benefits and Unanticipated Challenges in the Use of 3D Virtual Learning Environments in the Undergraduate Media Arts Curriculum - Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments - page 245

Figure 8. Example holodeck dragon game created for students

on their contribution to the production. All student
teams achieved a passing grade for their games
and it was evident from the assessment process
that students had worked effectively as teams,
demonstrated advanced problem solving skills as
well as basic mastery of interactive games design.
At the completion of the course an anony-
mous online evaluation was conducted aimed at
determining student satisfaction with the course.
The findings from the evaluation appear in the
outcomes section of this chapter.

a portfolio for online delivery. The aims of the
course are as follows:

• Understand the nature and formats of elec-

tronic publishing via the Web and in 3D
virtual worlds

• Understand the factors affecting the elec-

tronic publishing industry

• Critically analyze and create effective on-

line publications

• Understand and discuss critical issues such

as accessibility, copyright and security.

electronic Publishing on the Internet

The topics covered combined theoretical in-
formation presented through a series of readings
and reflections on theory, with the applied skills
required to design and develop a portfolio presence
in a 3D virtual world. Guest presenters from busi-
nesses presented many of the sessions on-campus
and in Second Life . Students were given the option
to attend face-to-face sessions on-campus or attend
classes virtually via Second Life .

A final year course for students undertaking a major
in either interactive media or web design, Elec-
tronic Publishing on the Internet ( EPI ) provides
the foundations for understanding the principles of
electronic publishing on the Internet. The course
places emphasis on applying the principles and
elements of design to the creation of Web pages,
communication skills, team work, and designing