This is a paper presented at the inworld (in Second Life) track of SLEDcc, 5th September 2008. The presenter identifies how the respective strengths of a Real Life Virtual Learning Environment (WebCT) and a virtual world (Second Life) can be exploited to support and develop inquiry skills in first year undergraduate students. She focuses on experiences from two core modules in a 1st year BSc Information Management programme, both of which take an Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) approach. The presenter will address the advantages and disadvantages of the overall IBL approach, and of the different learning environments (WebCT, SL and face to face).

1. Using first and
second life to
develop inquiry skills
in the freshman year
at a UK university: a
happy blend?
Sheila Webber
Department of Information
Studies
University of Sheffield,
September 2008
Sheila Webber, 2008

2. 1
Short
answer
“yes”
Sheila Webber, 2008

3. 2
Sheffield
in RL
“There is a
tremendous
nightclub scene”
Sheffield
Sheila Webber, 2008