They provide an opportunity to create highly realistic simulations, allowing trainees to practice working with both equipment or other people in the environment closely resembling real life.
[5] The ability to practice in safe environment[6] and record simulation results in a database or Learning Management System (LMS),[1] as well as ability to study at a trainee's own pace, 24/7, makes virtual worlds in some cases superior to practicing in real world.
Virtual Worlds provide a unique fit for procedural training, since they allow for creation of a realistic environment and tools for trainees to practice at their own pace, any time until they know the procedure by heart – without a need to involve real life locations, equipment and instructors.
A team led by David M. Antonacci and Stephanie P. Gerald of University of Kansas Medical Center Teaching & Learning Technologies (TLT) Department supported the technical side of the project.
It does not provide students with tactile feedback, and is not intended to teach them how to manipulate actual physical equipment or patients.
Separating these functions reduces cognitive load for the nurse in training, and improves the overall result by breaking a very complex procedure into manageable units.
[7] As more and more corporations acquire expanded or global presence and work projects are often supported by geographically dispersed teams, virtual collaboration becomes increasingly important.
Second Life quickly became the natural venue for collaboration, including brainstorming sessions, meetings, conferences and a variety of events.