To read this content please select one of the options below:

Understanding Communication Processes in a 3D Online Social Virtual World

Teaching Arts and Science with the New Social Media

ISBN: 978-0-85724-781-0, eISBN: 978-0-85724-782-7

Publication date: 22 March 2011

Abstract

The aim for this chapter is to better understand the dynamics of social communication processes within Second Life®. Understanding communication processes in 3D online social virtual worlds is vital in embracing contemporary social issues and improving interpersonal and organizational relationships as these environments are rapidly growing in popularity in the education sector. In this chapter, we observed an undergraduate communication class and discussed four powerful interrelated forces behind the students' communication processes: (1) gamer status; (2) avatar appearance; (3) physical proximity; and (4) virtual proximity. Our findings can inform Arts and Science educators in general and Communication instructors in particular about how learners socially communicate and interact within a 3D online social virtual world and how teachers can foster students' communication and collaboration in this environment and support their content creation and collective knowledge building.

Citation

deNoyelles, A. and Kyeongju Seo, K. (2011), "Understanding Communication Processes in a 3D Online Social Virtual World", Wankel, C. (Ed.) Teaching Arts and Science with the New Social Media (Cutting-Edge Technologies in Higher Education, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 169-187. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2044-9968(2011)0000003012

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2011, Emerald Group Publishing Limited