Multidiscipline role-play in a 3D virtual learning environment: Experiences with a large cohort of healthcare students

© 2012 McDonald, M., Ryan, T., Sim, J., James, J., Maude, P., Scutter, S., Wood, D. Three-dimensional virtual learning environments (3DVLEs), such as Second Life, have been used in education for some time. Although many writers have addressed where, how, and why 3DVLEs are applied in education, only a few articles have concentrated on the coalface of running a learning project within them. This paper looks at the experience of using Second Life to conduct a multi-discipline healthcare role-playing project with a large cohort of university students. It aims to add to the body of evidence highlighting the technical and logistical difficulties in running such a project, and attempts to offer solutions and advice on directions of problem solving. This paper will also add to best practices concerning the use of 3DVLEs in higher education.