Teaching/Learning in Second Life: Perspectives of Future Nurse-Educators

• Published in: Clinical simulation in nursing Vol. 10; no. 1; pp. e19 - e24
• Main Authors: Tiffany, Jone, Hoglund, Barbara A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.01.2014
• Subjects: avatar; computer self-efficacy; innovative teaching/learning strategies; nurse-educator; nursing education; online virtual world; Second Life; simulation; teaching/learning; virtual reality; innovative teaching/learning strategies; virtual reality; simulation; nurse-educator; online virtual world; Second Life; teaching/learning; avatar; nursing education; computer self-efficacy
• ISSN: 1876-1399; 1876-1402
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecns.2013.06.006

Innovative teaching/learning strategies that simulate real world situations are needed. The virtual world of Second Life (SL) provides an opportunity for nurse-educators to develop meaningful, simulated learning experiences that are transferrable to the real world of nursing practice. Students enrolled in a graduate nursing education course were invited to complete pre- and post-activity surveys regarding perceptions and experiences related to using SL as a teaching/learning strategy. The simulated role play experience in SL helped 10 of 11 students to apply concepts regarding the lived experience of marginalized persons. Seven described a meaningful learning experience; 11 reported a sense of presence and connectedness. Barriers and challenges related to technology, self-efficacy, and communication within the virtual world were identified. With careful planning, the use of SL as an innovative teaching/learning strategy for nursing education was validated.