A 3D Virtual World Teaching and Learning Platform for Computer Science Courses in Second Life

Key factors contributing to the high attrition rate for computer science students include loss of interest in material and lack of practice. In order to better engage students and improve retention rate, we have developed a novel teaching and learning platform in the Second Life to immerse and engage students in the same way that today's best video games grab and keep players' attention. Our goal is to stimulate students' interests, motivation and creativity and help them overcome the difficulties in study. The platform can enrich the existing curriculum and can be used as a supplement to the traditional classroom environments. It may also be applied to distance learning courses.