Exploring the use of 3D virtual worlds for psychoeducational groups: a multiple case study

Download
2016
Gül, Abdülmenaf
The main aim of this study was to explore psychoeducational group counseling process in 3D VWs. The purposes of current study were; to explore affordances and challenges of 3D VWs for psychoeducational groups, to describe how features of 3D VWs are perceived by participants, to explore psychoeducational groups process and outcomes in 3D VWs and understand how it differs from face-to-face, and to identify effective instructional strategies for psychoeducational groups. In this respect, two psychoeducational procrastination groups were organized. There were nine participants in each group and two group counseling leaders led both groups. The research design was qualitative in nature; more specifically, multiple case study methodology guided the researcher. Multiple forms of evidences were collected from group members and group counseling leaders. The data were collected through interviews, questionnaires and observations. Collected data were analyzed according to qualitative data analysis techniques and non-parametric tests. The results of this study revealed some prominent findings. First, features of 3D VWs indicated important affordances for psychoeducational groups. These affordances included interactive 3D space, avatar representation, extended sense of presence and comfort of self-disclosure. On the other hand, some identified challenges were; technical issues, multitasking and lack of non-verbal cues. Second, both cases showed similar patterns in terms of procrastination behavior outcomes, motivation and satisfaction. Finally, effective instructional strategies were discussed. Due to limited research regarding participants’ and counselors’ experiences of using 3D VWs in the literature, results of this study might provide invaluable information for researchers, practitioners and administrators.

Suggestions

Investigating stages of concern and technology integration self-efficacy beliefs of english language pre-service teachers
Kayaduman, Halil; Delialioğlu, Ömer; Yalçın, Şenöm Tuğba; Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology (2017)
The main aim of this study was to explore psychoeducational group counseling process in 3D VWs. The purposes of current study were; to explore affordances and challenges of 3D VWs for psychoeducational groups, to describe how features of 3D VWs are perceived by participants, to explore psychoeducational groups process and outcomes in 3D VWs and understand how it differs from face-to-face, and to identify effective instructional strategies for psychoeducational groups. In this respect, two psychoeducational ...
An Investigation of 1:1 technology initiative through the lens of Fullan's educational change model: a three- year study
Bahçekapılı, Tuğba; Çağıltay, Kürşat; Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology (2018)
The purpose of the study is to examine the implementation process of 1:1 technology initiative through the experiences of key stakeholders by using Fullan’s educational change model as a lens. For this purpose, the experiences of key stakeholders were investigated in terms of elements related to the initiation of the 1:1 initiative, perceptions, practices and provided support and monitoring regarding to implementation, and the elements to sustain the change. A qualitative research design was adopted, and a ...
Paths from fear of death to subjective well-being : a study of structural equation modeling based on the terror management theory perspective
Şimşek, Ömer Faruk; Aydın, Gül; Department of Educational Sciences (2005)
In this research four models derived from Terror Management Theory (TMT) were tested by using structural equation modeling.. These models were developed for testing different theoretical alternatives in relation to psychological mechanisms explaining the subjective well-being as an outcome of fear of death. The first two models were based on the original Terror Management Theory. The first supposed that death anxiety as a catalyst motivates individuals in two defenses: developing culturally committed person...
Evaluating mobile apps for STEM education with in-service teachers
Tantu, Özlem; Baran, Evrim; Department of Educational Sciences (2017)
The purpose of the study was to investigate the perceptions of in-service teachers on mobile app evaluation for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This multi-method research was carried out through interviews with 10 teachers from K-12 schools who were experienced in STEM education and versed in educational mobile app use. Participants included one high school physics teacher, five elementary science teachers, and four information and computer technology teachers from both p...
An investigation of student engagement, motivation and attitudes towards course content in a mobile-learning enhanced course
Alioon, Yasaman; Delialioğlu, Ömer; Çelik, İlknur; Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology (2016)
This study aims to investigate the students‟ engagement, motivation and attitudes toward course content in a mobile-learning enhanced computer networking course where authentic collaborative activities were designed, developed and implemented. The computer networking course was a must course in Computer Education and Instructional Technology department curriculum. The participants of the study were 3rd grade students enrolled in the course. The effect of the activities on students‟ engagement, motivation an...
Citation Formats
A. Gül, “Exploring the use of 3D virtual worlds for psychoeducational groups: a multiple case study,” Ph.D. - Doctoral Program, Middle East Technical University, 2016.