Perceptions of educators regarding the acceptance of multi-user virtual environments as an educational tool : presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies at Massey University

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dc.contributor.authorUdumalagala Gamage, Wadduwage Vimani Eranda
dc.date.accessioned2010-06-16T00:05:49Z
dc.date.availableNO_RESTRICTIONen_US
dc.date.available2010-06-16T00:05:49Z
dc.date.issued2010
dc.description.abstractThe concept of Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) has opened new avenues in the educational spectrum. Despite its popularity as an educational environment tool, the successful implementation of a virtual classroom is heavily reliant on the educator. This research focuses on the perceptions of educators regarding the acceptance of the MUVE as an educational tool. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used to identify and evaluate the potential benefits of the MUVE in the domain of education. The qualitative approach was considered to be the suitable approach for this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 22 educators; these interviews included the demonstration of a virtual class located in the Second Life Island known as Jokaydia. The collected data was transcribed using NVivo software, and analysed using constant comparison analysis. The transcribed interviews were provided to another researcher in order to obtain an independent analysis; this created the basis for triangulation of participants’ perceptions. A summary of this analysis was then sent to all participants to confirm its credibility. The conclusions of the study suggest that the combination of MUVEs’ features and strengths will eventually influence the educators to accept the MUVE as an educational tool, although several areas of concern are identified. Future growth in the educational uses of MUVEs is examined, the implications and limitations of the study are discussed, and ideas for future research are elaborated on. Keywords: MUVE, Second Life, education, TAM, ease of use, subjective norm, enjoyment, facilities, compatibility, security and trust, collaboration, awareness, media richness, discovery learning, situated learning, role playing, controlled environment, immersiveness.en_US
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/10179/1379
dc.language.isoenen_US
dc.publisherMassey Universityen_US
dc.rightsThe Authoren_US
dc.subjectTechnology acceptanceen_US
dc.subjectVirtual reality in educationen_US
dc.subjectSecond Lifeen_US
dc.subject.otherFields of Research::280000 Information, Computing and Communication Sciences::280100 Information Systems::280104 Computer-human interactionen_US
dc.titlePerceptions of educators regarding the acceptance of multi-user virtual environments as an educational tool : presented in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Studies at Massey Universityen_US
dc.typeThesisen_US
massey.contributor.authorUdumalagala Gamage, Wadduwage Vimani Eranda
thesis.degree.grantorMassey Universityen_US
thesis.degree.levelMastersen_US
thesis.degree.nameMaster of Business Studiesen_US
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