Virtual Worlds - Background

Introduction

Research clearly shows that online virtual worlds have a propensity to significantly engage a range of learners.

This section provides information on fundamental aspects of the use of virtual worlds in education generally and the New Practices in Flexible Learning project in particular:

What are virtual worlds and how suitable are they for educational purposes?
What three virtual worlds were considered for the New Practices project?
Why was Second Life® chosen as the ‘world’ for this project? What are its pros and cons?
What challenges did the project raise and what’s the way forward?
What should be considered in choosing a virtual world for educational purposes?

How to engage in a virtual world

Most virtual worlds use an ‘avatar’ – or particular model or icon – to represent and interact ‘on behalf of’ the real person who has logged in.

In Second Life®, avatars do not have to be ‘human’. Imagine how people would interact with a user represented as a mythical animal or an object.

Back to top

Australian Flexible Learning Framework