Pre-service teachers’ perspectives on using scenario-based MUVEs in science education

Abstract

This paper presents the findings of a study on the understanding and attitudes of pre-service teachers in the use of scenario-based multi-user virtual environments in science education. The participants in the study used Virtual Singapura, a virtual world, and completed an open-ended questionnaire. Data from the questionnaire indicated that gender and current computer game use were likely to affect the perceived benefits of using virtual worlds in a classroom setting. Behavior management was seen as being a constraining factor on a pre-service teacher's willingness to use a virtual world in the future. Overall, the results of the study indicate that teachers are both aware of virtual worlds and have an understanding of both their potential advantages and disadvantages within a classroom setting.