title: Design and initial evaluation of a virtual pediatric primary care clinic in Second Life(®).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present an example of an innovative educational strategy using a theoretical framework for the design and evaluation of a virtual world simulation for family nurse practitioner (FNP) students.
  
  
  METHODS
  The example arises from a primary care pediatric clinic developed for FNP students in Second Life(®) to supplement experiences in clinical practice sites. The simulation uses a case-based interactive format. The educational strategy is based on constructivist learning theory and experiential learning principles. Report of initial prototype testing of faculty and FNP students is reported.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Virtual-world simulations have the potential to provide a safe environment for students to practice clinical decision making for pediatric patients. However, attention to the context, pedagogy, learner, and the capabilities of the technology is essential to provide a quality educational experience.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preparation of FNP students can include quality educational experiences in a virtual world when guided by a theoretical framework.
authors.affiliation: College of Nursing, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. MaryJane.Cook@hc.msu.edu
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jane Cook
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000379:methods*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012984:Software; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods; D014584:User-Computer Interface