The VERTEX project: designing and populating shared 3D virtual worlds in the primary (elementary) classroom

Abstract

Children invent imaginary worlds and enact scenarios within them as part of their everyday play. Given the opportunity and the tools, what kind of worlds could children make for themselves within a virtual space, and what kind of learning can emerge within these playful, child-centred spaces? In VERTEX, young children have designed and created an imaginary virtual world using 3D modelling tools and internet-based virtual worlds software. Crossing traditional subject disciplines and involving local and remote collaboration, the project demonstrates children's design and communication abilities above and beyond the expectations of the primary curriculum.