As part of the instructional design process, a usability study was conducted to evaluate the simulation’s navigation and efficiency, as well as user satisfaction. The development of this usability study stemmed from two main conceptual frameworks. These were Norman’s (2013) Seven-Stage Action Cycle for observing user-based performance around certain tasks, and Keller’s (1987) ARCS Model of Motivational Design for creating the foundation users experienced.
In total, twelve (n = 12) participants evaluated the simulation’s usability by navigating a linear sojourn while performing certain usability tasks. Participants also completed a one-on-one cognitive walkthrough with the investigator. Results of the analysis indicated that the simulation was, in fact, useful for the target audience and that learning through virtual worlds may be an effective means of introducing students to a target culture. In hindsight, as favorable as virtual world learning environments might seem, developers should expect a substantial time commitment in using this method of instruction.
(Youtube Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b9IOdsebRM&feature=youtu.be)
Growing up in Japan as an American and completing his education in the Japanese school system from kindergarten through high school was a life-changing experience, one that generated a fascination with technology, a passion for science fiction and his present professional dedication to international education and its inherent intercultural challenges. Casey Bales obtained his BBA at the Shidler College of Business and then began his career at Hawaii Tokai International College in the International Programs department where he creates educational programs for students of all ages. Now finishing up his LTEC master’s at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, he hopes to continue his path in education by applying what he’s learned to enhance educational practices in Japan and beyond.A recording of this presentation is available.
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Aloha Everyone! My name is Kawika Gonzales. I am a part of the LTEC online master’s cohort since Fall 2019. I am also a 6th-grade teacher on the island of Molokai and have been teaching for the past 19 years. Besides the core general education classes, I also teach robotics, computer-aided design, and computer science. More recently, I have incorporated more virtual and augmented reality into my classroom. I am the math and grade level chair for our school and a part of the leadership team. My wife and I have 3 young boys, one in 1st grade and the other 2 in preschool. I enjoy taking them fishing and hunting.
Aloha! My name is Kalei Carvalho. I am currently in my first year of the LTEC Master’s program and anticipate graduating in May 2021. I originally started this program with only the hope of advancing in my career in the future. However, I am beyond grateful that I took this opportunity because it has been very beneficial in my current line of work. I currently work as a Student Support for the Wai’ale’ale Program, which is one of the first-year experience programs at Kaua’i Community College. I have lived on Kaua’i my entire life and use any opportunity I have to help strengthen our community. The biggest motivations in my life, however, are my husband and my children.
Judy Kakazu received her BA in Zoology after switching her major no less than 7 times. As a result she knows very little about a lot of things. Judy then decided that she would take a break from academia and learn something fun. As a result, Judy has been a paramedic with the 911 system on Oahu for 30 years. Intermittently returning to the academia that she vowed never to return to, Judy has been fortunate to study subjects such as Human Physiology at the graduate level. After a recent work injury, Judy was given the opportunity to explore Learning Design and Technology at UH Manoa. As a first year student in the online Master’s program and under the mentorship of all within this excellent department, Judy is truly grateful and hopes to continue the privilege of learning, forever. Some of her interests include the gamification of learning, endocrinology and thinking outside of the box…