The development of transactive memory systems in collaborative educational virtual worlds

Abstract

The use of 3D virtual worlds in the form of cyber campuses has been introduced in higher education over the past decade to support and enhance students’ online learning experiences. Considering that students learn in socially constructed ways and through peer collaboration, the development of Transactive Memory System - the collective awareness of the group’s specialization, coordination, and credibility - is found to be beneficial for educational purposes. This paper presents the results of a study investigating the extent to which a TMS can be developed within a 3D virtual world educational setting.