Abstract—Concept maps are often used as media for constructive learning activities. We evaluated student social learning outcome in a virtual learning environment via concept maps. Nursing students first follow a case study of a stroke patient, whose diet and life style eventually resulted in a trip to emergency room for stroke diagnosis and treatment in the virtual hospital. They were then given a new scenario and got on a virtual trip in Second Life, a Multiuser Virtual Environment (MUVE). They played the roles of a patient, a relative, a doctor, or a nurse, experiencing the emotional, physical, or social impacts those stakeholders may have gone through. Our study indicates concept mapping can be a unique and effective tool for measuring student social learning in a virtual environment.

Index Terms—concept maps, simulation, educational technology, role-playing, social learning

Cite: Xin Bai and Joanne Lavin, "Evaluating Social Learning in a Virtual Environment via Concept Maps," International Journal of Learning and Teaching, Vol. 2, No. 1, pp. 87-90, June 2016. doi: 10.18178/ijlt.2.1.87-90