The avatar lecturer: learning and teaching in Second Life

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to give the educator's perspective on developing learning and teaching activities within the virtual world Second Life (SL). The purpose of the research was to develop an understanding of the pedagogical issues involved, to introduce avatar‐based marketing into the marketing curriculum, and to evaluate the potential for this new technology to enhance student learning.Design/methodology/approachThe issues educators need to address in setting up such activities are considered, including context, design and pedagogical issues. It was decided to take an experiential learning approach following exploratory research. A mixed methods approach allowed the collection of quantitative data to profile the cohort and qualitative data to provide rich data of both the student and educators experience.FindingsThere is a steep learning curve for educators developing such courses particularly as subject specialists rather than computing specialists. Students developed new skills, used knowledge from the wider module and gained a wider perspective of the potential of e‐marketing as a whole.Research limitations/implicationsExperiential learning linked to reflective practice is one way in which learning and teaching in virtual worlds can be integrated into the marketing curriculum. The growth in teenage virtual worlds means the future intake of students may demand new styles of learning and teaching. There was a limited period in which to collect data.Originality/valueThis paper provides original research on developing and evaluating learning and teaching in SL within the marketing curriculum and addresses a gap in the literature on managing large groups in such environments.