Formal and Informal Collaborative Learning in 3D Virtual Campuses

In this paper, we focus on collaborative learning in 3D virtual campuses, i.e. virtual worlds representing real educational institutions that use the metaphor of a university and provide users with a range of different tools for learning. Analyzing the results of a study conducted across two virtual campuses in Second Life, we discuss how formal and informal learning can be supported in such virtual worlds and how they should be designed to improve student experience. As a result, we provide implications for conducting both formal and informal educational activities in 3D virtual campuses.