Abstract
3D virtual worlds are becoming widespread due to cheaper powerful computers, high-speed broadband connections and efforts towards their tighter integration with current 2D Web environments. Besides traditional gaming and entertainment applications, some serious propositions are starting to emerge for their use, particularly in education, where they are perceived as enablers of active learning, learning by doing, and knowledge construction through social interaction. However, there is still little understanding of how 3D virtual worlds can be designed and deployed effectively in the education domain, and many challenges remain. This chapter makes a contribution towards such an understanding by reporting on three notable case studies at the authors’ own institutions, which have pioneered the use of Second Life, a 3D virtual world, in higher education.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Informed Design of Educational Technologies in Higher Education |
Subtitle of host publication | Enhanced Learning and Teaching |
Editors | Anders D. Olofsson, J. Ola Lindberg |
Publisher | IGI Global |
Pages | 212-240 |
Number of pages | 29 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781613500811 |
ISBN (Print) | 9781613500804 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2012 |