Ecosystem Science Learning via Multi-User Virtual Environments

Copyright © 2011, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. EcoMUVE is designed as a collaborative, inquiry-based, simulated ecosystem experience to support learners developing an understanding of complex causality in ecosystems. (http:// ecomuve.org/) Students typically use simple linear causal forms in their science learning – reasoning that one thing directly makes another thing happen. They also tend to focus on obvious variables – ones they can perceive directly (Grotzer, 2004). Even after instruction, students often retain inaccurate interpretations about ecosystems’ structural patterns and systemic causality (Grotzer & Basca, 2003). Ecosystems are complex systems which are impacted by non-obvious as well as obvious causes, distributed causality, effects at a distance and over long periods of time. An understanding of complex causality is necessary to understand the dynamics involved in concepts such as Ecosystem Science Learning via Multi-User Virtual Environments