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How you appear in the virtual world could affect your behavior in real life, according to researchers at Stanford University. Andrea Seabrook speaks with Stanford's Jeremy Bailenson about his research into how people interact psychologically with their virtual-reality representations.

Brain scans of avid players of the hugely popular online fantasy world World of Warcraft reveal that areas of the brain involved in self-reflection and judgement seem to behave similarly when someone is thinking about their virtual self as when they think about their real one.

Immersive and embodiment tendancies. Who immerses? This article mentions research that begins to paint a picture of personalities more likely to immerse.

Here is some research that has been done about what we are learning about. Are there really teaching opportunities in social worlds? Before you go to your district and unblock the site you really need to make sure you have your research to back it up.

The main reason for inclusion in the top 10 was the impact a game had on the educational gaming field. Some of these are getting rather long in the tooth as far as games go, yet their impact is still being felt in educational research that was foundational or continues to be published.

It's no secret that the US Government and Military have been investigating virtual environments for some time, and Second Life has been a popular playground for both simulation research and recruiting.  In an interview on Second Life's blog, Douglas Maxwell from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) talks about how they've integrated Second Life into their environment.

Online safety means empowering AND protecting ConnectSafely offers research driven strategies to mitigate negative digital citizenship and safety issues from both a technology and behavioral perspective

Ocean science museum in SL: the educational sim includes a "Journey into the Deep" 2,000 meter underwater elevator, virtual replicas of the NOAA's research vessel "Okeanos Explorer" and submersible "Cleria", an undersea manned habitat, and lots of other scientific experiences to discover International Japanese/other collaboration

RezEd (BETA), an online hub providing practitioners using virtual worlds with access to the highest quality resources and research in the field to establish a strong network of those using virtual worlds for learning.

Welcome to RezEd (BETA), an online hub providing practitioners using virtual worlds with access to the highest quality resources and research in the field to establish a strong network of those using virtual worlds for learning.

Here is another community for educators using virtual worlds for learning. I just submitted an application ... we'll see whether or not they accept me! It appears to be a Ning network with many resources. I think joining these communities is important ... reducing the learning curve by listening to those who have already learned things the hard way is a skill I'm trying hard to cultivate! Dana

Quest Atlantis (QA) is an international learning and teaching project that uses a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks. QA combines strategies used in the commercial gaming environment with lessons from educational research on learning and motivation. Participation in this game is designed to enhance the lives of children while helping them grow into knowledgeable, responsible, and empathetic adults. Does this interest you? They offer extensive educator training and support. Really an exemplary project. HIGHLY recommended.

Interesting, relevant, and popular sites in SL. Topics include General, Pedagogy, Research plus more. Add your own favorite slurl or website.

I've never been able to find anyone here yet, but I did discover that nearby land included a nudist beach of some kind. One display had Ancestry.com's German homepage up it seemed. Also, there is an adorable gazebo here I'd love to have in my own yard in RL. Waiting to see if this place ends up being a useful resource in genealogy research.

This SLURL has potential for any U.S. or World History classroom if teachers want to show students what trench warfare might have been like. Students can see a simulation of a trench with rats crawling around, mustard gas being deployed, explosions, rain, etc. Users can click on various sound boxes and video links to learn poetry of soldiers and historians who have researched trench warfare. You can also transport to a camp where you can change clothing to a soldier or a nurse--and it's free! Very educational and highly recommended for history teachers.

This is a faithful reproduction of the Spanish-built presidio in Santa Barbara from 1786, created by a grad student named Shelly Long from Cal State Northridge. The buildings are beautifully done, but the rooms are mostly empty. It is worth the trip to see the chapel. It's interior is very detailed including intricate artwork, wooden furniture, and lighted candles. You can even kneel at a prayer bench and recite the Lord's prayer! I picked up a free set of archaelogist's tools. Young students might enjoy this exposure to a piece of early California history, following up with internet research into the lives of the people who lived here, including their lifestyle and sustenance.

I agree with Robert this is a great way for students to be exposed to a piece of California history. I'm wondering if there are more presidios or missions just like this? I enjoyed the aesthetics of this simulations too. It is very well done with lots of interesting details, such as the burning fireplace. The local radio music however, was a tad annoying. I'd like to have seen a few interactive opportunities included, such as creating notecards that outline "what you've learned".

"The Education Arcade explores games that promote learning through authentic and engaging play. TEA's research and development projects focus both on the learning that naturally occurs in popular commercial games, and on the design of games that more vigorously address the educational needs of players." I joined this community and hope to learn a lot!

A table (list) of over 100 science related places in Second LIfe. Includes SLURLS. If you are looking for a science related location to visit and report on, this is a super list to check out.

This is excellent. I went to the planetarium and was able to view the night sky from the perspective of Australians. What a great experience for students to have! They put on a presentation that includes history of the telescope, Galileo, current research in space, and ancient views on the stars. The night sky just opens up. It is if you are sitting at the top of the world.

Thank you for sharing. I visited a few differect locations. It was interesting to see how some were more of just a meeting place and some were very interactive and informational.

Like my last post, I found this "show" on Treet.tv as well. A great forum start with tons of excellent screencasts of SL interviews and presentations. The last few episodes of the show included:" 5 years of Creative Research in SL," " Maslow's Hierarchical Hideaway in SL," Teaching Math in Virtual Worlds," "Learning 3D: A New Educational Dimension," and "WoW (World of Warcraft) in Schools.

Here is an interesting article on how virtual reality is used for physical rehabilitation. People in the rehabilitation community and neuroscientist question whether virtual reality truly affects the nervous system or if it just serves as motivation for the patient in a controlled environment.