3-D virtual worlds and higher education

• Main Authors: CHEN, X., SIAU, Keng, NAH, Fiona Fui-hoon
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Institutional Knowledge at Singapore Management University 2009
• Subjects: 3-D virtual worlds; Second Life; technology acceptance; social presence; telepresence; perceived enjoyment; perceived learning; classroom interactivity; instructional method; intention to use; Databases and Information Systems; Higher Education
• Online Access: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/sis_research/9645; https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/context/sis_research/article/10645/viewcontent/3_D_Virtual_Worlds_and_Higher_Education.pdf
• Institution: Singapore Management University

Conducting education in three-dimensional (3-D) virtual worlds is an emerging phenomenon in the educational arena. The objective of this research is to investigate the factors influencing students’ intention to adopt the 3-D virtual worlds for delivery of education. Drawing on existing technology acceptance models as well as studies in traditional and distance education, we developed a model to study students’ acceptance of using a 3-D virtual world for education and propose to test the model empirically using survey data collected from college students. We also study the use of two instructional methods in the 3-D virtual world. This study contributes to both academic research and practice. Studies on the use of this new, emerging technology for education can help to increase our understanding on the use of 3-D virtual world environment for delivery of higher education.