Institutional support for and barriers to the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education

Abstract

Anecdotal evidence suggests that despite recognising the potential benefits of 3D immersive virtual worlds for learning and teaching, many academic staff have chosen not to adopt them, due in large part to the complex array of technical and policy hurdles that must be negotiated in order to make use of such resources within higher education institutions. This paper presents selected results from the questionnaire phase of an Australia and New Zealand-wide scoping study of the use of 3D immersive virtual worlds in higher education. The particular focus in the paper is on findings from the questionnaire about support provided within institutions, technical and other barriers encountered by those considering adoption, and whether and how these were overcome.