'Second Life': Harnessing Virtual World Technology to Enhance Student Engagement and Learning

Abstract

Technology is often used in higher education to deliver a range of online materials to students. Most commonly this online delivery occurs through learning management systems such as 'Blackboard', 'Moodle' and 'Sakai'. However, with the emergence of virtual worlds there is an opportunity to harness this technology to enhance student engagement and learning in new and innovative ways. Outlined in this paper is an examination of how 'Second Life' has been used in three pilot studies at the University of New England and argues that there are effective gains to be made in the future by using this medium for learning and teaching, particularly for off-campus students.