University of Leicester

Duckling Project

This is a case study of incorporating Second Life (SL) into two Masters’ distance learning programmes in Occupational Psychology at the School of Psychology, the University of Leicester, UK. The aim of this pilot was to create a simulated organisational environment for students to apply skills as occupational psychologists. The activities that students undertook in SL involved training in-world, visiting a SL oil rig platform, an evacuation simulation and group presentation. Four Psychology students took part in this pilot. We found that SL is effective in creating a simulated environment in which they can practise skills in a safe and non-threatening way. The small group of distance learners also enjoyed the opportunities to interact and collaborate with their tutors and peers in SL.