Web 3D simulation-based application in tourism education: A case study with Second Life

3D simulation-based virtual worlds, such as Second Life (hereafter SL), have been substantially adopted in educational settings worldwide. However, elaborations on such applications in regard to tourism education are still limited. In order to expand our current understanding of the applicability of SL to tourism education, this case study was designed and administered in the summer of 2011. The participants were eight college students who were majoring in travel management (N=8); half of them did not have any prior experience with 3D simulation-based platforms. With the design of qualitative research, the present study elicited insightful information about students' perception regarding such application. The major findings of the present study disclosed participants' supportive attitudes toward SL in providing training related to tourism knowledge as well as communicational and interpersonal skills. Learners' self-efficacy as successful future tour leaders also was enhanced.