Teaching Interpersonal Problem Solving Skills Using Roleplay in a 3D Virtual World for Special Education: A Case Study in Second Life

Abstract

Participants included graduate students in a teacher preparation program using Second Life (SL) as the educational platform for distance education courses. The students created and participated in role-playing scenarios for practicing specific skills, such as persuasion and conflict resolution. Data was analyzed qualitatively using both a case study and virtual ethnography methods. Dialogue in SL was analyzed using aspects of interaction analysis. We found that role-playings works well for teaching interpersonal problem solving skills in SL. This was the result of careful planning, combining abstract and concrete learning activities in multiple rounds, and debriefing sessions.