Enquiry-based learning: Exploring the potential of virtual worlds (SecondLife)

Nowadays academic institutions seek to equip students with interpersonal and project management skills by enhancing their learning experience through the use of new collaborative technologies. This paper presents an enquiry based learning initiative. A virtual world environment was introduced to facilitate group project work. A collaborative learning framework applied to assess the team work project. This paper discusses how the project acted as a vehicle for increasing the involvement of employers in the university programme and achieving the objectives of greater student creativity, productivity, engagement, and participation in team work. Copyright © 2010 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.