Developing an understanding of the pedagogy of using a Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE) to support Innovation Education (IE) in Iceland: a literature surveyInnovation Education (IE) is a new subject area in the Icelandic national curriculum. Th

Abstract

Innovation Education (IE) is a new subject area in the Icelandic national curriculum. The aim is to develop
students’ abilities to innovate, with a particular focus on ideation skills. A Virtual Reality Learning Environment has been subsequently developed to provide a supplementary context for teaching and learning Innovation Education with certain advantages over conventional classroom activity. This paper reports on the literature search which was conducted to support an action research project aiming to develop an understanding of an appropriate pedagogy relating to this context. The authors firstly describe the context for the research. The literature review strategy is based on the research
questions:
1. How does the use of the VRLE affect the pedagogy of developing students’ ideation skills in Innovation
Education in the Icelandic context?
2. What are the key issues concerning the teacher’s role in using the VRLE for supporting students’ ideation in IE?
Terminology in the area of ideation, innovation, and virtual reality learning environments is defined and relationships established. The characteristics of VRLEs are illustrated. The pedagogy used with IE in a conventional classroom setting, prior to the introduction of the VRLE, is presented. Pedagogical models on using virtual reality learning environments in school education are then explored. Many are related with Constructivism, Computer Supported Communication Learning, and Computer Mediated Communication. Principles are identified and contrasted with IE pedagogy as it stood before the introduction of the VRLE and subsequently with its use. Conclusions are drawn enabling the authors to conduct an action research phase of the project in which the VRLE was used by teachers and pupils in Icelandic schools.