Second Life is a virtual world platform that can be used for education. It has advantages like bridging distances for online learning, allowing nonlinear learning experiences, and simulating experiments without physical equipment. However, it also has disadvantages such as distractions from other users, a lack of student monitoring tools, and high hardware and bandwidth requirements. Learning theories that apply include social constructivism and social learning theory, which emphasize learning through social interaction and observation.

1. SECONDLIFE
A discussion by
• Lee Pei Yie
• Phillip Sim

2. 3 Advantages Vs. 3 Disadvantages
Advantages:
• Bridging gap due to
distance-learning.
• Non-linear learning
experience, someone can
interrupt the class and it is
still easy to follow.
• Able to simulate
experiments without
physical equipment.
Disadvantages:
• Distractions from
outsiders.
• Do not offer tools to
monitor or track students.
• High hardware equipment
and Internet bandwidth
support to consistently
staying online.
Referred:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/07/education/edlife/07innovation.html?_r=0
http://jaimeoyarzo.wordpress.com/2011/11/23/advantages-and-disadvantages-other-educational-
use-of-second-life-w9/

4. Distraction

5. Learning Theories Involved:
• Social Constructivism:
• Vygotsky
• Scaffolding & Learning in a social context, knowledge is co-
constructed.
• Social Learning Theory:
• Bandura
• Learning through observation, imitation and behaviour modeling.
• Learner holds the power to influence their own learning in new
situations by controlling the environment around them, whether it is
imposed, selected or constructed.
Referred:
http://gsi.berkeley.edu/teachingguide/theories/social.html#learning
http://www.simplypsychology.org/bandura.html