Augmentation with the Virtual

Abstract

The focus in this chapter is on the virtual; on experiences mediated by a computer screen or similar interface. Although these virtual interactions can take place on laptops and tablets or via phones and gaming devices, this chapter is not focused on mobile learning. Augmentation with the virtual can take place in a classroom or at a study desk—it adds new possibilities to a conventional learning environment. The focus is also on these conventional education environments, where education is formal in that learning outcomes and the means of achieving those outcomes are decided by the educator rather than by the learner (Vavoula, 2004). Informal learning, in which the learner chooses both learning outcomes and means of achieving them, is dealt with in subsequent chapters.