SLAVE : Second Life Assistant in a Virtual Learning Environment

Abstract

Virtual worlds, in particular Second Life, have recently been gaining more momentum in emerging trends within the educational research dimension due to their dynamic, flexible and accessible nature. One problem which educators are facing is that of having an aesthetically appealing display which at times learners cannot exploit at will unless a pre-planned event has been scheduled. Residents often complain that educational lands are often void of life, and show a marked Jack of presence. SLAVE aims to provide a solution to this problem. The innovation which came along with Second Life denotes an aspect where limitations are only posed by one's creativity offering not only the tools which lead to more flexibility, more activity, and less formality but also those which can exploit the Web 2.0 concept. SLAVE aims to create an environment which is inhabited by intelligent assistants presenting Second Life, not as static entertainment but as an environment which has a scope. This scope will be fulfilled by 'adding life to Second Life' and applying artificial intelligence to resident agents leading to an outcome which is richer, more 'colourful' and has more to offer to the learners experiencing it. Second Life thus becomes a '/earnscape' where residents are guided towards more experimentation and more practice with the aid of artificial avatars, accompanying them across their mission to learn.