Putting a Second Life “metaverse” skin on learning management systems

Abstract

This paper outlines the advantages and weaknesses
\nof Multi-User Virtual Environments for teaching and
\nexplores the possible benefits of integrating them
\nclosely with traditional Learning Management
\nSystems. We present survey findings of teachers
\ninterested in using the Second Life MUVE for
\nteaching. The teachers gave us their opinions about
\nintegrating SL and LMS in their classrooms. We
\nfinally propose technical methods for creating hybrid
\nsystems combining elements of both MUVE and
\ntraditional LMS systems for use in teaching. The
\nhybrid system uses the Moodle open source system
\nand Second Life's connectivity features to mirror
\nweb-based classrooms with in-world learning spaces
\nand interactive objects. We suggest that further work
\nmay help suggest the most suitable educational
\napplications for these hybrid systems.