Design of learning spaces in 3D virtual worlds: an empirical investigation of Second Life

Second Life is a three-dimensional (3D) virtual world and educational institutions are adopting Second Life to support their teaching and learning. Although the question of how 3D learning spaces should be designed to support student learning and engagement has been raised among Second Life educators and designers, there is hardly any guidance or research in this area. In this paper, we report an empirical study in which we have elicited educators’, designers’ and students’ perceptions of learning spaces within Second Life. Based on this empirical research, we have presented some design considerations for Second Life educators and designers who are involved in designing learning activities and spaces in Second Life. We hope that the design guidance and examples described in this paper will support educators and designers to design learning spaces that foster students’ socialisation, informal learning, collaboration, and creativity