Virtual worlds in computing education

Jonathan Crellin, Emma Duke-Williams, Jane Chandler, Timothy Collinson

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Abstract

This paper reports on the use of a virtual world (Second Life) in computing education,and identifies the precursors of current virtual world systems. The paper reviews the potential for virtual worlds as tools in computing education. It describes three areas where Second Life has been used in computing education: as a development environment; as a collaboration tool, and to provide a environment for simulation. The benefits of virtual worlds for computing education (with a particular emphasis on Second Life) is discussed. Qualitative feedback from students is reported which, although not definitive, illustrates many of the benefits and disadvantages of using virtual worlds in computing education.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)315-334
Number of pages20
JournalComputer Science Education
Volume19
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - 2009

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