Second Life as a communication tool to enhance inquiry based learning

This research focuses on the possibilities of using Second Life as a communication tool to deliver Inquiry Based Learning to Built Environment students, making use of the range of synchronous communication tools as opposed to asynchronous communication in emails and discussion forums and freedom from physical constraint by face to face communication. Inquiry based learning requires a self motivated and interactive approach by students allowing them to be more actively involved in the learning process. Participants were assessed in their technology awareness to find out their use of day to day technologies, such as mobile phone and emails but also other available technologies. On the one hand, participants were aware of the use of discussion forums because of their work attending the programmes at university, but on the other hand were not aware that they have been using for a number of years a Virtual Learning Environment to achieve blended learning. None of the participants had used before a virtual world. Participants were introduced to Second Life in a short workshop. A final questionnaire and review meeting was held to assess the benefit and disadvantages of face to face communication, use of a Virtual Learning Environment and use of Second Life for the delivery of Inquiry Based Learning. Participants were satisfied with using Second Life because of the freedom of time and space to arrange meetings. Meetings were synchronous and recorded for future references. Participants were using Second Life as a visual aid to show and disseminate their work. It was concluded that a longer adaptation time must be provided if the full potential of Second Life is to be achieved.