A Design Research Approach to Innovation in 3D Virtual Learning Environments

iSocial is an internet-based 3D-Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) to support social and behavioral outcomes for youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The purpose of developing this system is to expand access to specialized training for developing social competence. iSocial seeks to adapt and implement in a 3D-VLE a clinic-based curriculum with demonstrated impact for improving social competence. It is being developed using the Open Wonderland virtual world toolkit (http://openwonderland.org/). Wonderland provides tools for building multiuser virtual environments (MUVEs). has followed a design research approach through 2 years of pilot projects and continuing with funding support from AutismSpeaks and a $1.5 million award from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The IES award illustrates the design research approach as we iterate through the design and development of 5 units of the curriculum with usage tests for each unit and then 2 levels of field tests. Each test is an opportunity to advance our theory of social competence for youth with ASD and to advance the iSocial system so as to implement the curriculum and support social competence in a 3D-VLE. For example, in the first unit to be developed we conceptualized what was needed and important for the youth to interact effectively and learn from their social and cognitive experiences. This is especially challenging because the reason these youth need the training is that they are typically ineffective in social interaction. Following lessons learned in the first unit we advanced our conception of