Tutorial overview

Use this guidance to find out about the exciting possibilities of using Second Life in education.

A key factor in the spread of educational content in Second Life is that the virtual classroom enables geographic barriers to be broken down and a sense of community to be built amongst disperse students.

In addition to the distance learning and community factors, Second Life is seen as a great tool for immersing students in an environment where they can explore, experiment and discuss without the barriers that real life can present. Activities that could prove expensive or dangerous in real life can be simulated at lower cost and risk than in real life. Students reluctant to speak up and take part in face to face discussions can find the virtual world an easier place to contribute in.

As it's a relatively new tool that's being used for education, there are few research articles on teaching in Second Life. What there is generally seems to show that students' experience is enhanced the most when they are as immersed as possible in the Second Life world.