[xmca] Special Issue on Learning in Virtual Worlds

A publishing outled of interest to at least some on XMCA and a great
opportunity to load a paper with lots of refs to MCA!! :-)
mike

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: jeremy hunsinger <jhuns@vt.edu>
Date: Mon, Dec 22, 2008 at 7:32 AM
Subject: [Air-L] cfp: Special Issue on Learning in Virtual Worlds
To: air-l@listserv.aoir.org, Cultural Studies <cultstud-l@lists.comm.umn.edu>,
software and culture <softwareandculture@lists.tmttlt.com>

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@vt.edu and akrotoski@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@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

() ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail
/\ - against microsoft attachments

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Received on Mon Dec 22 08:19:27 2008