In Search of SecondLife Nirvana

Abstract

Pedagogically-driven support for groups is a continuing challenge as we move forward in embracing technology in an ever changing educational environment. SecondLife (www.SecondLife.com) is a virtual environment that is receiving global attention and recognition. In this paper, we compare SecondLife to other group support technologies through an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) lens. The environment chosen is a virtual team space in which an online book is produced through interactions between graduate students in Hong Kong and the Netherlands. A portfolio of technologies including email, forums, videoconferencing, SecondLife, and MSN was provided for team support and subsequently evaluated. Results indicate that SecondLife (at least in its current incarnation) is likely to need some reincarnation prior to ascent to Nirvana. In that sense, it is a goal hoped for but yet to be attained in supporting teams. Suggestions for development and directions for future research are provided. Conclusions are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Issues in Informing Science & Information Technology is the property of Informing Science and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)