Myth busting education in a virtual world - changing demands and directions

There has been much media reporting on the efficacy of virtual worlds for education over the last few years. Some of the claims made are unfounded and not based on empirical evidence. All panel members have been teaching and conducting research in virtual worlds for several years. They will address many of the myths about teaching and learning in a virtual world. The format will follow Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage's television series, "Myth Busters" ("MythBusters," 2011) to find out whether the myths are "founded", "busted" or "plausible". To date there has been limited research and publications reporting on myths surrounding the teaching and learning in virtual worlds. However, Calani (2010) attempted to resolve the myths around immersion, James (2007) set about resolving the myths surrounding business in Second Life and, Hendrich & Mesch (2009), discussed 10,000 reasons why a virtual world will or won't work. This interactive session will seek audience participation in resolving these myths through evidence-based practice. In this symposium we will endeavour to address some of the following myths that have been perpetuated about teaching in learning over the last few years.