Engaging E-Learning in Virtual Worlds: Supporting Group Collaboration

Current e-learning environments do not provide sufficient support for group collaboration. The absence of the visual identification of the users makes effective collaboration in e-learning very difficult. This paper argues that virtual worlds (VW) possess the necessary tools to foster effective group collaboration for e-learning initiatives. The use of avatars, the support of verbal and non-verbal communications and creative capabilities offered in VWs are suggested as the key elements that promote effective group learning.