Virtual worlds: Relationship between real life and experience in Second Life

Authors

  • Scott P. Anstadt Florida Gulf Coast University
  • Shannon Bradley
  • Ashley Burnette
  • Lesley L. Medley Florida Gulf Coast University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v14i4.1454

Keywords:

Social work, virtual world, Second Life

Abstract

Due to the unique applications of virtual reality in many modern contexts, Second Life (SL) offers inimitable opportunities for research and exploration and experiential learning as part of a distance learning curriculum assignment. A review of current research regarding SL examined real world social influences in online interactions and what the effects on users may be. This aids students in understanding the social constructionist perceptions and worldview of those persons they may serve in social services. This suggests the importance of developing an understanding of the relationship between users’ real life (RL) and their SL. Some research has begun to reveal the effectiveness of telecommunication and computer simulation with certain clients in the fields of mental health and social work, yet there is a lack of sufficient research done within the context of virtual worlds. The current study surveyed users of several educationally and health focused SIMS (simulations) as to what motivates their SL and RL interactions. The data explores associations between users’ RL and their SL in several areas,potentially addressing the future role of educating social work students regarding research methodology in online virtual reality interactions. Implications for social work are discussed including engaging clients using incentives for social participation built into the SL milieu.

Author Biography

Lesley L. Medley, Florida Gulf Coast University

Lesley L. Medley, MSW
Coordinator School Accountability Boards
Institute for Youth and Justice Studies
Florida Gulf Coast University
College of Arts and Sciences
10501 FGCU Blvd. South
Ft. Myers, FL 33965-6565

lmedley@fgcu.edu

Lesley L. Medley, MSW serves as the Coordinator for the Institute of Youth and Justice Studies at Florida Gulf Coast University. Lesley has experience as a university guest lecturer, teaching assistant, and grant writer.

Published

2013-09-30

How to Cite

Anstadt, S. P., Bradley, S., Burnette, A., & Medley, L. L. (2013). Virtual worlds: Relationship between real life and experience in Second Life. The International Review of Research in Open and Distributed Learning, 14(4). https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v14i4.1454

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Research Articles

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Athabasca University Press