Creating a Virtual World Mindset: A Guide for First Time Second Life Teachers

Abstract

Education technology proponents argue that tech-savvy students want active learning opportunities that enable them to produce, as well as consume, content. Some educators have responded to this rhetoric by appropriating virtual worlds such as Second Life (SL) for teaching and learning. While SL rewards exploration and experimentation, the technology alone is not enough to create a student-centered learning environment. At present, there is little guidance for teaching in these digital spaces. Therefore, many educators who venture into this space rely heavily on teacher-centered approaches. This practical guide is for individuals who want to create effective SL teaching and learning experiences.