Teaching/Learning in Second Life: Perspectives of Future Nurse-Educators

Background: Innovative teaching/learning strategies that simulate real world situations are needed. The virtual world of Second Life (SL) provides an opportunity for nurse-educators to develop meaningful, simulated learning experiences that are transferrable to the real world of nursing practice. Methods: Students enrolled in a graduate nursing education course were invited to complete pre- and post-activity surveys regarding perceptions and experiences related to using SL as a teaching/learning strategy. Results: The simulated role play experience in SL helped 10 of 11 students to apply concepts regarding the lived experience of marginalized persons. Seven described a meaningful learning experience; 11 reported a sense of presence and connectedness. Barriers and challenges related to technology, self-efficacy, and communication within the virtual world were identified. Conclusion: With careful planning, the use of SL as an innovative teaching/learning strategy for nursing education was validated. (C) 2014 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.