Technology-mediated simulation is often used in medical problem-based learning (PBL) approaches to offer authentic contexts and immersive engagement for learning. However, critiques argue that these approaches are lacking in the structure necessary to support productive learning--that they often result in mindless doing without the thinking…

This study investigated novel pedagogies for helping teachers infuse inquiry into a standards-based science curriculum. Using a multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) as a pedagogical vehicle, teams of middle-school students collaboratively solved problems around disease in a virtual town called River City. The students interacted with "avatars" of…