Teaching qualitative research methods with Second Life, a 3-dimensional online virtual environment

摘要

Since the 1950s, 3-dimensional virtual environments (3DVEs) have been developed to simulate real-world experiences. These virtual worlds have evolved with realistic graphics and large numbers of users with whom to engage in virtual representations of real-life situations. This study investigated how students perceived the usefulness of Second Life (SL) as a tool for teaching research methods to a doctoral-level qualitative research class. Two classes of doctoral students were assigned to groups of three students and were charged with conducting an ethnographic study in a SL community. Students conducted observations and interviews of community members as a simulation of conducting ethnographic research in an unfamiliar culture. Data sources included an end-of-course survey, observation field notes, interview transcriptions, journals, discussion board posts, and video conferencing. Nineteen students agreed to have their data included for analysis. Results indicate that SL provided an innovative means for teaching important aspects of qualitative research, such as securing key informants, gatekeeping, observing and taking field notes, and interviewing, among others. Students experienced the affective aspects of conducting research as well, including how to handle rejection and frustration, the need for flexibility, interacting in a strange world, and how to handle awkward situations, sometimes with hilarious results. While the majority of students found SL to be an innovative way to learn research skills, a few experienced technical glitches, causing frustration that hindered their learning. Students created a list of tips for new users of SL to ease their transition into the virtual environment.