Teaching in Virtual Worlds: Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

How, where, when, and what we teach has been significantly influenced by technological innova- tion. Radio, television, and computers have all alt ered how information is presented and how stu- dents interact with that information. This paper de scribes how virtual worlds provide a mecha- nism to incorporate constructivist, experiential, a nd student-centered learning practices into the classroom. The authors also discuss the challenges and the benefits of using virtual worlds in education as well as some implications for the futu re of education. Ke ywords : virtual worlds, Second life, constructivist learn ing, authentic learning, metaverse, Sloodle