Collaborative Virtual Environments for Reflective Community Building at Work: The Case of TARGET

Abstract

In this article, we present initial results of designing a community, outlined in the TARGET framework. The main aim of the TARGET project is to research, analyze, and develop a new genre of technology enhanced learning environment – a reflective learning community integrated at the workplace that supports rapid access to competence development of individuals, namely knowledge workers within the domains of project management and sustainable manufacturing. The open question was: To what extent can 3D collaborative virtual environments facilitate reflective dialogue in communities to support lifelong workplace learning? One possible answer is given in this case. The empirical study is held as a part of the TARGET International Summer School, which acted as a forum for the presentation of innovative approaches, developments, and outcomes of research projects. The results of the study were analyzed to complement the TARGET community, seeding methodology as well as to provide implications for the use of 3D collaborative virtual environments for community building. In addition, TARGET illustrates how learning and working might be well integrated.