[Air-L] cfp: Special Issue on Learning in Virtual Worlds

[jeremy hunsinger]

Apologies for x-posting-jh


CALL FOR PAPERS

special issue of Learning, Media and Technology

issue theme:  Learning in Virtual Worlds

Edited by Jeremy Hunsinger and Aleks Krotoski

Virtual worlds are learning worlds.

There is substantial evidence that people learn in virtual worlds.  
While most learning in these spaces is informal, existing outside the  
school curriculum, formalised learning environments have also been  
developed in textual worlds, MOOs, MUSHes, MUDs and multi-media spaces  
like ActiveWorlds(R), Second Life(R), World of Warcraft (R) to support  
educational goals in primary, secondary, higher and lifelong learning  
contexts.

The extensive writings on virtual reality and virtual worlds over the  
past four decades have covered the breadth of the phenomena and  
experiences of learning via CMC in these situated spaces; this call  
for papers seeks scholarship that builds upon and extends those  
accounts. We seek research that deals with learning and research in  
social networks or among friends, learning through play, learning  
through artistic creation and learning in unconventional virtual  
realities. We seek papers that examine learning or modes of learning  
that occurs in unexpected ways.

For example, workshops have been transformed with the inclusion of new  
materials, like clay or other art equipment, encouraging participants  
to express themselves through different modes of communication. Such  
physical practices mirror the opportunities afforded in virtual  
environments, increasing potential outcomes by breaking down borders  
of expression, creating a place for play, and expanding discourse. We  
seek research that aims to capture similar alternative practices in  
learning within virtual worlds.

While all forms of scholarship and research are welcome, we prefer  
theoretically and empirically grounded study in the social or  
behavioral sciences. We seek a special issue that exemplifies  
methodological pluralism. The use of visual evidence and  
representations is also encouraged.

Submission guidelines:

This special issue is edited by Jeremy Hunsinger and Aleks Krotoski.  
Please contact them at jhuns at vt.edu and akrotoski at yahoo.com to discuss  
your submissions. The editors welcome contributions from new  
researchers and those who are more well-established. Submitted  
manuscripts will be subject to peer review.

Length of papers will vary as per disciplinary expectations, but we  
encourage papers of around 6000 words. Short discussion papers of 2000  
words on relevant subjects are also welcomed for the 'Viewpoints'  
section. Learning, Media and Technology submission guidelines and  
referencing styles will be followed [see: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/titles/17439884.asp 
]

The guest editors will consider papers received by March 15, 2009.  
Fewer than 10 papers will be accepted. The special issue will be  
published in early 2010. Please send papers to jhuns at vt.edu, clearly  
indicating that your submission is for the Special Issue on learning  
in virtual worlds.

Jeremy Hunsinger
Center for Digital Discourse and Culture
Virginia Tech
Information Ethics Fellow
Center for Information Policy Research


Imagination is the one weapon in the war against reality.
-Jules de Gaultier

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