Facilitating the ability of graduates to articulate their employability skills through the use of a 3D virtual learning environment

Abstract

'Readiness' for employment is having the appropriate knowledge and practical skills for a particular job, as well as possession of the 'right' attributes for that job. A recent report on the recruiting preferences of Australian graduate employers (AAGE, 2011) revealed that the three most desired attributes in graduates are communication, team work and problem solving. This paper reports on the first stage of a three stage study exploring the potential of a 3D virtual learning environment (3DVLE) to aid graduates identify and articulate these 'employability skills' (Precision Consulting 2007). Using a qualitative approach, the purpose this stage was to seek primary stakeholder (students and university staff) feedback and input into the early design of three proposed learning scenarios in a 3DVLE. Student acceptance of the 3DVLE was positive, staff acceptance less so. Both students and staff provided valuable input into improving the look and use of the proposed scenarios.