concepts, and high level of interaction could benefit learners’ engagement and learning outcomes. Despite previous studies have investigated the influential factors of educational gaming experience, however, in the 3D virtual world, learners might need other ability, such as sense of directions (SOD), for them to be acquainted with the virtual environment and thus can learn better. This prelimi...

Second Life (SL) is currently the most mature and popular multi-user virtual world platform being used in education. Through an in-depth examination of SL, this article explores its potential and the barriers that multi-user virtual environments present to educators wanting to use immersive 3-D spaces in their teaching. The context is set by tracing the history of virtual worlds back to early m...

The paper starts by describing the role of simulation and role play in education and training. A variety of examples, such as flight simulation, medical simulation, military personnel and stress, simulation in computer science education. The core definition of simulation is that it allows students to explore a problem area in a safe and controlled environment. We contrast different approaches, ...

Traditional approaches to learning have often focused upon knowledge transfer strategies that have centred on textually-based engagements with learners, and dialogic methods of interaction with tutors. The use of virtual worlds, with text-based, voice-based and a feeling of ‘presence’ naturally is allowing for more complex social interactions and designed learning experiences and role plays, as...