Just back from Training 2010 where I heard Tony O’Driscoll speak and also bought the book! (Learning in 3D from Pfeiffer)  Here’s my first thoughts.  The book is definitely worth the investment – we all need to keep up on the affordances of new technology.  An excellent story leads off  Chapter 2 – I won’t be a spoiler – take a look.   See Brian’s reply to my previous  post for good ideas on how to use virtual worlds in training.

Some bones to pick.  I think a technocentric approach to training can lead us down some unproductive paths – technology per se is never a solution.  To their credit, the authors stress the need to use VW when it makes sense to promote organizational goals.  Social collaboration is one of the sells – BUT  we have very little evidence  on collaboration and learning  in 2D much less 3D.    In Chapter 3 they contrast synchronous e-learning with a virtual 3D lesson.  I think they set up a misleading dichotomy by contrasting a poorly implemented synchronous session with a (better designed?)  VW session.  I’d rather instead read about the strengths and drawbacks to VW.  Most of us are beyond the “Which medium is best?” question.     I also disagree regarding their recommendations for use of token economies to motivate learning in VW or any other medium.   What say you? 

Original Article: http://clarktraining.com/blog/