Contribution to Book
Incident and Disaster Management Training: Collaborative Learning Opportunities Using Virtual World Scenarios
Advanced ICTs for Disaster Management and Threat Detection : Collaborative and Distributed Frameworks
(2010)
Abstract
The maturation of incident and disaster management training has led to opportunities for the inclusion of multi-modal learning frameworks. Virtual reality technology, specifically multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) such as virtual worlds (VW), offers the potential, through carefully crafted applications, for increasing collaboration, leadership, and decision making skills of diverse adult learners. This chapter presents a review of ICT appropriate learning theories and a synopsis of the educational benefits and practices. A case study, offered as part of a Master of Healthcare Administration (MHA) course for health care managers, demonstrates the application of a virtual world training scenario hosted in Second Life® and using a Play2Train simulation. Students report a strong positive reaction to virtual learning and demonstrate improved crisis communication skills and decision making competencies. Additional research is recommended to demonstrate the utility of virtual world learning as compared to standard training options such as tabletop exercises.
Disciplines
Publication Date
2010
Editor
Eleana Asimakopoulou, Nik Bessis.
Publisher
Information Science Reference
ISBN
9781615209873
DOI
10.4018/978-1-61520-987-3.ch012
Citation Information
Anne Hewitt, Susan S. Spencer, Danielle Mirliss and Riad Twal. "Incident and Disaster Management Training: Collaborative Learning Opportunities Using Virtual World Scenarios" HersheyAdvanced ICTs for Disaster Management and Threat Detection : Collaborative and Distributed Frameworks (2010) p. 179 - 200 Available at: http://works.bepress.com/anne-hewitt/3/