The Portuguese Angle...

The Second Life Insider Blog references notes on a workshop on SL at the University of Aveiro, Portugal. The notes, entitled 'Surprising Research Results' , offer insights into the use of SL in education that are, apparently, founded on proper scientific research:

"We’re all entitled to “opinions”. However, there is a world of difference between an “opinion” and a qualified opinion by an expert. And there were quite a few experts that came up with their conclusions — backed by scientific research. In some cases, I was astonished to the conclusions they came up with. And I’ll be certainly be much more confident in emitting some of the opinions — now that they’re scientific results."

Some of the headline findings delivered at the workshop:

1. Don't simply replicate Real Life, do things that SL will let you do and add value
2. The informality of SL aids communication
3. SL classes are much better than RL ones
4. Text based interactions level the playing ground for all students to participate and provide better learning