Mechanics Simulations in Second Life

Mechanics Simulations in Second Life

Kelly Black (Clarkson University, USA)
Copyright: © 2010 |Volume: 1 |Issue: 2 |Article: 3 |Pages: 14
ISSN: 1947-8518|EISSN: 1947-8526|DOI: 10.4018/jvple.2010040103
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MLA

Black, Kelly. "Mechanics Simulations in Second Life." IJVPLE 1.2 (2010): 31-44. Web. 1 Jan. 2019. doi:10.4018/jvple.2010040103

APA

Black, K. (2010). Mechanics Simulations in Second Life. International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments (IJVPLE), 1(2), 31-44. doi:10.4018/jvple.2010040103

Chicago

Black, Kelly. "Mechanics Simulations in Second Life," International Journal of Virtual and Personal Learning Environments (IJVPLE) 1 (2010): 2, accessed (January 01, 2019), doi:10.4018/jvple.2010040103

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Abstract

This paper examines the use of the 3-D virtual world Second Life to explore basic mechanics in physics. In Second Life, students can create scripts that take advantage of a virtual physics engine in order to conduct experiments that focus on specific phenomena. The paper explores two particular examples of this process: 1) the movement of an object under the influence of gravity, and 2) the movement of an object using simple forces. Findings suggest that Second Life offers a flexible and wide range of possibilities for simulations in mechanics; paradoxically, however, the environment also presents challenges for effective use by instructors and learners. Any implementation making use of the Second Life application requires technical knowledge of the system and a wide range of pedagogical and learner skills related to building, scripting, and educational design.

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