Yu‐Shen Fang and Lung‐Sheng Lee
Applications of online Second Life (SL) prevail over the world. The purpose of this paper is to make a review and synthesis of recent research studies on SL.
Abstract
Purpose
Applications of online Second Life (SL) prevail over the world. The purpose of this paper is to make a review and synthesis of recent research studies on SL.
Design/methodology/approach
Documental analysis is employed. Totally, 135 research publications, published in 2006‐2008, are reviewed and synthesized.
Findings
Findings are as follows: the research studies on SL have been widened and deepened; SL has been widely applied in education and its research approach relies on descriptive methods; and SL has versatile charm for educators but pros and cons of SL in education simultaneously exist.
Research limitations/implications
Some articles might not be reviewed; authors did their best to collect data from relevant electronic databases.
Practical implications
This paper indicates the strengths and limitations of SL.
Originality/value
This paper identifies trends of recent research studies of as well as issues in using SL. Users and researchers of SL may realize trends of and issues in SL.