Using Second Life Simulations to Enhance and Develop the Learning Environment for Occupational Psychology Students

School of PsychologyOCCUPATIONAL SECTION106 New WalkLeicester LE1 7EA · UKTel: +44 (0) 116 223 1486 Fax: +44 (0) 116 223 1325

Dr Kelly Barklamb, Dr Ray Randall & Sue Harrington

Overview of Presentation

• Background and context• Second Life (SL) as a learning environment• The acquisition of Occupational Psychology

(OP) knowledge and skills• Case study: The Oil Rig• Evaluation

Background: DUCKLING Project

• Developing University Curricula: Knowledge, Learning and INnovation Gains (DUCKLING)

• Beyond Distance Research Alliance (BDRA)• Aim: To identify new opportunities for

enhancing curriculum delivery using innovative technology-based responses

• Students:– Part-time distance learners– MSc in OP or MSc/Diploma in Psychology of Work

What is Second Life (SL)?• 3D internet-based virtual

world• Launched in 2003• People can “network, build,

play, buy and sell products and work” (Jarmon & Sanchez, ’08)

• A social experience• Interact through avatars• Stream video or audio• Media Zoo: Island in which

“students, researchers and teachers can experiment with learning in a virtual world” (guardian.co.uk, ‘08)

Using SL Simulations in a Learning Environment: Existing Research• Role playing activities in learning environment• Emerging area• Medicine, Health, Languages

– (e.g. Boulos et al, 2007; Edwards et al, 2008)• Replicating cultures and societies

– (Edirisingha et al, 2009)• How to run a business

– (Antonacci & Modaress, 2005)

Potential Gains for OP from SL

• Overcoming practical and ethical constraints• Using simulations as a ‘prelude’ into

organisations• Enhancing feelings of preparedness and

capability• Enhancing the quality of practitioner-based

work• Improving the quality of courses by engaging

students through enhanced delivery

How can OP’s Use SL?

• Explanation• Discussion• Demonstration• Problem engagement• Role playing

• OP issues: Teamwork; Leadership; Training and Development; Ergonomics; Applied experimentation

• THE OIL RIG SIMULATION

Case Study: The Oil Rig

The Pilot Task• The Client is The New Walks Oil Exploration Company

(NWOEC)• NWOEC wants to comply with Health & Safety

regulations, focusing on emergency response• Occupational Psychology Consultancy Team

(students) are recruited to identify issues that should be considered during evacuation

• Visit the platform, prepare observations and present to the client

• Participate in live evacuation event to test recommendations

Why an Oil Rig?• A novel environment with which students are

probably not familiar• Unfamiliar technologies and high risk work

environments • Allows students to carry out multiple tasks:

– Planning work; – Designing teams; – Developing training

• Practice in a safe and non-threatening environment where mistakes are less risky

Theoretical Basis: The 5 Stage Model (Salmon, Nie & Edirisingha, forthcoming)

Implementation

• Four participants involved in this pilot• Consent form and training guide (BDRA)• Download software and check equipment• Create account and avatar• Explore SL in the Media Zoo• Log of experiences

The ‘In-World’ Events

Objective Method

Mastering control of avatars and the environment

Sports Day Training

Understanding layout and context Briefing and Tour of the Oil Rig

Students could access the rig in between sessions and organise meetings with colleagues

Feedback on learning and experience Presentation of results and live evacuation

Screen Shots & Video Footage

Evaluation of Using SL (In Progress…)

• Positive aspects:– Novel, innovative, exciting approach – Volunteers’ engagement and enthusiasm– Support: technical teams & subject matter experts– Feedback and evaluation

• Challenges / Learning Points:– Ethical procedures– Resources and equipment– Pragmatic and logistic issues– Labour intensive

Acknowledgements

• Dr Andrew Shepherd (OP Course Team)• Beyond Distance Research Alliance• JISC• All participants

Thank You…• Questions?• Comments?• Suggestions?

• DUCKLING project blog: https://swww2.le.ac.uk/departments/beyond-distance-research-alliance/projects/duckling/duckling-blog

• Contact Details: Dr Kelly Barklamb– Email: kb179@le.ac.uk– Telephone: 07939 107958