The Future of Education

The 3D virtual worlds, MUVE (multi-user virtual environment) provide educational opportunities to learn in a sociallyinteractive learning community. Many authors claim that "immersive" methodologies produce an improvement in cognitive and perceptual dynamics (Aldrich C., 2005). In recent years the development of technologies and the educational scenario has prompted a change in the design of environments in which the experience training takes place.This research  introduces digital 3D objects, animations, interactive content on natural phenomena and on Earth science using a MUVE. The research is addressed to students of various ages (medium school, high school and university students)). The project starts from the methodology of the Inquiry-Based Science Education applied in 3D virtual environments (MUVE). An virtual earth science island was created  on Unicam server, it has an online access, where, through a role play, learners cross the various steps and activities based on inquiry. The level of inquiry chosen for the path is “structured type”. Learners, following paths and answering to questions, acquire scientific skills. To build the virtual island has been used the software Open Sim (www.opensimulator.org)   The phases of the research are: 1) to build learning paths on earth science with MUVE; 2) to experiment and test the learning paths; 3) to analyze the collected data for comparison between immersive and non immersive education. This research integrates the constructivist theories, the testing labs and the virtual learning
environments, in order to: a) improve the quality of the training, b) activate the
motivation, enthusiasm and participation, c)increase the effectiveness
of learning, d) increase the knowledge of natural phenomena to make the learners aware of natural hazards, as a way to improving the good practices of civil protection.