The Palace architecture or application is a visual chat environment which is easily programmed for educational purposes. In this presentation I will use the Buddhist Palace, an environment created at Pacific University with the help of grant funding from the North West Association of Academic Computing Services, as an example.
Students can construct their own learning activities.
The instructor can add graphics which convey much information regarding the topic area, such as fine art. The environment can be monitored by the instructor, either covertly or as a participant, or can stand alone. The environment can be programmed to simulate many aspects of a computer game environment, both familiar and inviting to students. The environment can be programmed to a degree by participants, encouraging research and learning in the application itself. Successful participants can be given additional powers and responsibilities as rewards for successful learning.