My topic for the H818 conference Open Education in an Open Landscape is innovation, where I explore the possibility of using virtual reality in the context of teaching English Literature at The Open University.

ABSTRACT

With the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more important to create and implement innovative strategies to develop the online teaching and learning experience. The forced requirement of learning online can cause a sense of distance and isolation, for students and their teachers. Strategies to overcome this, where inclusivity and accessibility must also be considered, are at the forefront of the open education movement. As Weller notes (2014, p. 29) openness encompasses many approaches, including the encouragement of networked and shared participation. Openness in education should create a sense of belonging and an experience of connectivity for students and educators.

            One aspect of creating this sense of belonging comes from the establishment of a community of practice, where shared interests foster a community, and learning becomes a shared experience, with these practices allowing the development of resources over time (Wenger and Wenger, 2015, p. 3).

This research explores the potential use of virtual reality in teaching English Literature students at The Open University. Research from Ridvan (2016) where the use of virtual worlds in education is explored, notes a positive rethinking of teaching from participants, where teachers found a creativity that these virtual worlds can engender, as well as encouraging a more reflective approach to pedagogical practices. In their report, Maguire et al (2020) propose a vision for the future in education where digital innovation in pedagogy can bring learning to life.

Currently the module “Telling Stories: The Novel and Beyond” includes several videos on the study planner. Some videos are shot on location, providing context for students in their reading and critique of texts. An interactive map, where students can explore New York in the first decade of the twentieth century is available on the planner to allow students to explore the settings described in the novel Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton (2008). The creation of a virtual scene of the Nouveau Luxe restaurant from Chapter XIX of the novel, brings students and their teachers an opportunity to synchronously meet and discuss the setting, while participating within it.

 As an open educational social learning practice it is important that Associate Lecturers (ALs) teaching the module are sufficiently comfortable with the use of virtual world technology. This research makes use of a survey of all ALs teaching the module to ascertain their views on the use of this technology in their teaching. In addition, they were invited to explore a prototype of the virtual scene and to offer their views on its effectiveness as an online teaching tool. To give students potential for collaboration, sharing and innovation, educators need to support them in their engagement with new technologies. In awareness that this practice should be student-centred, rather than using technology for its own sake, ALs views were sought on whether students would find this to be an effective educational experience. A survey of students currently learning on the module was taken to gain their views on its use.