Hipsters and Hobos: Learning by Becoming in a Retro Virtual World

How can a virtual world facilitate immersive learning? An instructional designer worked with American Studies instructors to develop virtual 1930s and 1950s re-creations for their classes. What did students like best or least about using these simulations for learning? Results were surprising but aided in improvements until "ideal" activities were found. Attendees will tour the simulations and learn how students used them to experience these decades. Instructors and course designers will learn about challenges in developing and supporting virtual activities but will see that they can be overcome to ultimately develop an exciting environment that can empower teaching and learning.