Authentic Learning in Second Life: A Constructivist Model in Course Design

Introduction

Information Systems (IS) lie at the heart of many of today’s technological wonders. Without information systems our communications networks, energy systems and even such simple systems as automobiles would not function. Information Systems curricula can be found in disciplines ranging from Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to Health Information Management Systems (HMIS) to Management Information Systems (MIS). A key element of any Information System is the Analysis, Design and Implementation or the system. Most educators in the Information Systems disciplines regard Systems Analysis and Design (SAD) as the critical course for IS students (Avison, Cole, & Guy, 2006; Bajaj, Batra, Hevner, Parsons, & Keng, 2005). The teaching of SAD is affected by many factors such as the instructor’s experience, the profile of the class and the needs of the employers to mention but a few (Harris, Lang, Oates, & Keng, 2006). Technology Mediated Learning (TML) and Distance Education (DE) are emerging as a key method for the delivery of instruction to students. Distance Education is predicted to increase by over 300% in the next 5 years (Moller, Foshay, & Huett, 2008). But at the same time the depth and breadth of research on TML and DE is limited (Alavi & Leidner, 2001). This chapter examines the intersection of the domain of teaching SAD and TML. In particular, it seeks to examine if a Constructivist Learning Theory applies to learning in the Virtual Worlds of Second Life.