Virtual Worlds. Opportunities and Challenges in the 21st Century.

Abstract: This paper offers a broad vision of the potential benefits which virtual worlds may provide for improving learning, collaboration, motivation and therefore, the improvement in academic performance of students. The paper underlines how virtual worlds may offer new experimental platforms through new interactions perceiving the changeable nature of technology. The article is based on the results of the experience developed in the mainframe of the educational innovation project performed at La Laguna University during the 2012-2013 academic courses. The technological infrastructure has been created already and the 3D graphic modelling was designed using open source software aiming for creation of the ‘La Laguna Virtual University’ virtual world. Teachers have given ubiquitous classes in this virtual environment interacting with students. All feedback from teachers and students has already been gathered in this experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]