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