title: Use of a virtual world computer environment for international distance education: lessons from a pilot project using Second Life.
abstract: Virtual worlds (VWs), in which participants navigate as avatars through three-dimensional, computer-generated, realistic-looking environments, are emerging as important new technologies for distance health education. However, there is relatively little documented experience using VWs for international healthcare training. The Geneva Foundation for Medical Education and Research (GFMER) conducted a VW training for healthcare professionals enrolled in a GFMER training course. This paper describes the development, delivery, and results of a pilot project undertaken to explore the potential of VWs as an environment for distance healthcare education for an international audience that has generally limited access to conventionally delivered education.
authors.forename: Marloes
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Schoonheim
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Heyden
authors.affiliation: Office of Medical Education, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St,, B2900, Boston, MA 02118-2518, USA. john383@bu.edu.
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Wiecha
mesh_terms: D003198:Computer Simulation; D020375:Education, Distance; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D014584:User-Computer Interface