Curating student learning in a virtual gallery

Authors

  • Samuel G. Murray Horwitz The University of Sydney
  • Mohamad Hassan Elzien The University of Sydney
  • Martin Brown The University of Sydney
  • Jane Thogersen The University of Sydney
  • Eve Guerry The University of Sydney
  • Philip Poronnik The University of Sydney
  • Craig R. Campbell The University of Sydney

Keywords:

virtual galleries, object-based learning, digital literacy

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The development of digital and creative literacies in biology is ongoing and recent technological advances have reduced the entry barrier for students and staff to engage in the creation of digital artefacts. We have developed a platform based on the Unity game engine that allows students to create virtual galleries in which they can curate 3D exhibitions of their learning which can be viewed on either a flat screen or a virtual reality headset. As part of the instructional activities, students are introduced to Object-Based Learning pedagogy by museum curators.

THE VIRTUAL GALLERY

Following a series of workshops to learn the basics of Unity, 500 first-year human biology students (in groups of 5) used templates to create their own virtual galleries, populating them with objects from all aspects of their studies from lectures to practicals and masterclasses. These galleries demonstrated the students’ mastery of the basics of working in and navigating virtual environments. This represents a unique way to collaboratively curate evidence of their learning across the semester and to communicate that understanding to a general audience. This is a new and novel approach to developing digital literacies and a portfolio of achievement in undergraduate science students.

Author Biographies

Samuel G. Murray Horwitz, The University of Sydney

PhD Candidate FMH Media Lab, Educational Innovation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Mohamad Hassan Elzien, The University of Sydney

Honors Student FMH Media Lab, Educational Innovation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Martin Brown, The University of Sydney

Senior Lecturer Co-Director FMH Media Lab FMH Media Lab, Educational Innovation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Jane Thogersen, The University of Sydney

Academic Engagement Curator Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Eve Guerry, The University of Sydney

Academic Engagement Curator Chau Chak Wing Museum, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Philip Poronnik, The University of Sydney

Professor of Biomedical Sciences (Educational Strategy) Director Education Innovation Research Theme Co-Director FMH Media Lab FMH Media Lab, Educational Innovation, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

Craig R. Campbell, The University of Sydney

Associate Lecturer School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

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Published

2022-09-23

Issue

Proceedings of The Australian Conference on Science and Mathematics Education (2022)

Section

Abstracts