Instructional design and virtual learning environments

The purpose of this study was to identify which instructional design models are currently used in designing virtual world instruction and why, and identify specific instructional design elements being used to develop virtual world instruction that enable effective utilization of virtual worlds' capabilities to support desired learning experiences for users. A review of the literature revealed that there was limited current research about how ID models are being used to develop instruction in virtual world environments. Although previous research studies have been focused on understanding how existing ID models are suitable for designing and developing web-based instruction, research was not found to date that explains how ID models are being used to develop instruction in virtual world environments. It was also unknown which of the existing ID models or combination of models is best for virtual world development, or what specific instructional design elements are being used to develop virtual world instruction. A quantitative descriptive survey research methodology was used to investigate what existing traditional ID models are used and why some seem inappropriate when designing virtual world instruction. A total of 61 participants recruited via the Sloan Consortium listserv and EDUCAUSE Virtual Worlds Constituent Group listserv completed the survey questionnaire during a three-week period. This study also investigated which existing ID models or combination of models is deemed to be best suited for virtual world instruction, or what essential steps should be included in the design of virtual world instruction.