Learning in a different life: Pre-service education students using an online virtual world.

Authors

  • Chris Campbell La Trobe University, University of Notre Dame Australia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4101/jvwr.v2i1.379

Keywords:

Second Life, Pre-service teacher education, problem based learning, virtual words

Abstract

Second Life is an online virtual world that is three dimensional and uses rich graphics to allow the user to be engaged in this environment. There has been a significant increase in people using this virtual world and of those conducting research in it in the recent past. This research study analyses a project where pre-service education students accessed Second Life as part of a fourth year elective course. The students had not used this virtual world prior to being introduced to it in class. They completed a problem based learning experience in Second Life that allowed the students to explore the virtual world as well as develop an activity that could be taught to a high school class. This study used case study methodology within a qualitative research framework. Although it was only a small pilot study, results suggest that the students learned how to navigate around Second Life and were open to this new technology. Half the students reported that they would use this technology or similar technologies in the future.

Author Biography

  • Chris Campbell, La Trobe University, University of Notre Dame Australia
    Chris Campbell is an academic who teaches in ICT in Education at La Trobe University. Her research interests include integrating ICT as a tool. She is currently conducting research in self regulation and middle years students, and using second life in tertiary settings.
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Published

2009-03-06

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2009): Pedagogy, Education and Innovation

Section

Peer Reviewed Research Papers

License

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