1. Research Description and Consent
Current Teaching Practice and Pedagogical Conceptions in the Virtual World Second Life
Consent
Approved: June 19, 2009
IRB #: 09-198
Institution: State University of New York at Albany
Study Information
This study aims to explore three questions:
*How is Second Life being used as a teaching/learning platform?
*In what ways might using Second Life as a learning platform support/challenge a constructivist teaching practice?
*What pedagogical conceptions and theories are underlying the teachers' practice in using Second Life as a teaching platform?
Your participation in this study will benefit the educational community by adding to the body of empirical research on this new area of study. You may receive a copy of the final report by providing your email address at the end of the survey.
Study Procedures
In this study, you are being asked to complete an on-line survey exploring your teaching experience and current/recent practice teaching in the immersive, 3-D, virtual world Second Life. The survey has 12 questions and should take 10-15 minutes to complete.
Additionally, if you opt-in, you might be asked to participate in an interview to further explore your use of, and ideas about, teaching in this virtual world. Opt-in interviews will be conducted in Second Life or the instant messaging tool of your choosing and should take about 40 minutes to complete.
Alternatives to Participation
Participation in this study is completely voluntary. There will be no penalty or loss of benefits to which you are entitled if you decide not to participate or to withdraw from the study.
Confidentiality
Your participation in this study and your responses to the survey and interview will be anonymized in all proceedings and presentations based on this research. However, complete confidentiality of your data can not be guaranteed. Certain organizations may inspect your data for quality assurance purposes including the University at Albany Institutional Review Board or its designees. Additionally, by law, state and federal agencies including the Office for Human Research Protections (OHRP) may request access to your data.
Risks of Participation
There are no anticipated risks associated with your participation in this study. All reasonable efforts will be made to keep your identity anonymous.
Compensation
There is no compensation offered for participation in this study.
Questions and Contact Information
If you have any questions regarding the study, please feel free to contact me, the principal investigator, Jane Wilde at esmequhua@gmail.com or my faculty adviser, Jianwei Zhang at jzhang@albany.edu.
If you have any questions concerning your rights as a research participant that have not been answered by the investigator or if you wish to report any concerns about the study, you may contact the University at Albany Office of Regulatory Research Compliance at 518-442-9050 (toll free 800-365-9139) or orrc@uamail.albany.edu.