Learning spaces, tasks and metrics for effective communication in Second Life within the context of programming LEGO NXT Mindstorms™ robots: towards a framework for design and implementation

Science education is concerned with the meaningful pursuit of comprehension, knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and processes. In Vygotskian social constructivist learning, personal interpretation, decision-making and community cooperation foster long-term understanding and transference of learned concepts. In short, the construction of knowledge requires learners to be actively involved in the process of learning. This paper presents a discussion of the method used to assess and define effective measurements. We use these measurements to evaluate strategies for communicating science by using LEGO robots and a Mindstorms™ RCX controller that are collaboratively constructed and programmed by students in a virtual technology (Second Life). This occurs while the students are physically situated in different locations.