Educational campuses in Second Life, 2007–2009: the development of a framework for campus builders

Abstract Academics are increasingly looking at using virtual worlds for educational purposes, but the guidance for establishing a virtual presence is limited. This paper presents the results of an exploratory observational study on 95 virtual campuses in Second Life which has produced a framework that may assist staff or students in building their own campuses. The investigation first took place in 2007 and was repeated in 2009, so the results have been updated and comparisons drawn between the two reviews, highlighting what has changed and what activities appear to have taken place. Recommendations have been made regarding the design of a campus, bringing attention to building practices that might obstruct navigation and impede activities.