Reusable learning designs and Second Life: issues and strategies

Abstract

Higher education institutions have been quick to spot the possibilities for innovative teaching and learning in Second Life. Given the escalating demands on educators’ time and the increasing scrutiny given to the quality of education, it is prudent to consider the possibilities afforded by reusability of key components of educational designs. This paper examines some of the issues associated with reusability of learning designs created for use in Second Life; specifically those utilizing the IMS LD standard. These issues are divided into two groups: those that are problematic to but not specific to learning in Second Life and those that are more characteristic of Multi-user Virtual Environments (MUVEs). Some possibilities for overcoming those issues are also examined.