Experiential Learning Using Second Life~R: A ContentAnalysis of Student Reflective Writing

摘要

Experiential learning allows students to connect previous experiences with new ideas. Second Life (SL) isa virtual world that allows students to simulate real–world experiences. SL was utilized as an educationaltool in an agricultural risk and crisis communications course. Weekly journal entries pertaining to the SLsimulation were analyzed to understand the students’ perceptions of the SL simulation. Content analysiswithin the qualitative research paradigm was used to analyze the student reflective journals. Although notprompted to do so, 14 of the 16 students discussed the SL simulation in their journals on at least threeoccasions throughout the semester. Upon analysis of the Second Life–related journal entries, six mainthemes emerged—simulation context, anxiety, capabilities, inabilities, Aha! moments, and suggestions forfuture simulations. Based on findings from this study, one can conclude that many students involved in thecourse under study found value in the use of SL as an educational tool. Student comments revealed astrong sense of application in the experiential process. This study sought to document best practices forSL as an educational tool in agricultural courses from the student perspective to allow more efficient andeffective adoption for education.