3-D Virtual Worlds in Education: Applications, Benefits, Issues, and Opportunities

Co-authored by Brenda Eschenbrenner, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah, and Keng Siau

Three-dimensional virtual world environments are providing new opportunities to develop engaging, interactive experiences in education. These virtual worlds are unique in that they allow individuals to interact with others through their avatars and with objects in the environment, and can create experiences that are not necessarily possible in the real world. To assess the impact that these virtual worlds are currently having on education, a literature review is conducted to identify current applications, benefits being realized, as well as issues faced. Based on this review, virtual world capabilities, experiences, and factors associated with educational opportunities are presented as well as gaps in meeting pedagogical objectives. Practical and research implications are then addressed. Virtual worlds are proving to provide unique educational experiences, with its potential only at the cusp of being explored.

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Researcher Information

	Nah, Fiona Fui-Hoon Professor of Management in Information Systems Expertise: Information Systems Human-Computer Interaction Electronic, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Commerce Web 2.0, Virtual World, and 3-D Web Management CBA 267 P.O. Box 880491 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68588-0491, USA Phone: (402) 472-6060 Fax: (402) 472-5855 fnah@unlnotes.unl.edu	Nah, Fiona Fui-Hoon	Management
	Siau, Keng L Edwin J. Faulkner Professor Expertise: Systems Analysis and Design Design Science Web 2.0, Virtual World, and 3-D Web Supply Chain Integration and Management Electronic, Mobile, and Ubiquitous Commerce Management CBA 255 P.O. Box 880491 University of Nebraska-Lincoln Lincoln, NE 68588-0491, USA Phone: (402) 472-3078 Fax: (402) 472-5855 ksiau@unl.edu	Siau, Keng L	Management