The Learning and Development of Non-Traditional Women Within Social Constructivist 3D Immersive Environments

Many women who seek college degrees later in life enroll with some trepidation. These students, referred to in this study as non-traditional women, believe they are taking a risk when adding the role of student to their already demanding and challenging lives. The degree to which their learning and development is encouraged or hindered depends on the teaching and curricular approaches used by the faculty and by the learning environment itself. Twenty-first century technology provides educators with the opportunity to try different modes of interaction to extend the traditional classroom, some of which non-traditional women may find particularly supportive. One such technology is constructivist 3D immersive environments, such as AET Zone, Department of Leadership and Educational Studies at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. Three major themes emerged from the data analysis, including life experiences, ways of making meaning, and learning environments.