Boulos+MNK.+1

Boulos, M. N. K., Hetherington L. & Wheeler, S. (2007). Second life: An overview of the potential of 3-D virtual worlds in medical and health education. //Health Information and Libraries Journal, 24,// 233-245.

Uses two detailed "case studies" to describe a couple of medical education locations inside Second Life. The two locations presented in the case studies are the Second Life Medical and Consumer Health Libraries at Healthinfo Island and VNEC (Virtual Neurological Education Center).

Tells how Healthinfo Island is funded and about it's structure. Details that it's meant as an area of outreach and information as well as a location that groups can come together and discuss health topics.

Almost offers a comparison between the above and VNEC which offers visitors more of a simulation, in which they experience the symptoms related to various neurological disabilities, in addition to disseminating information. Again, offers a description of the build and what is included.

Goes through how people can interact with the virtual environment and other people in SL.

Includes implications for policy and practice--

Policy--
 * enormous potential to create dynamic educational experiences
 * SL offers great interaction with lots of other people using a myriad of tools
 * Collaboration and re-usability are some of the more important features of SL
 * 2-D and 3-D web applications can be complementary and synergistic
 * 3-D worlds are sure to mature and become more and more useful in the future

Practice--
 * Educators need to think outside of the box and 3-D worlds certainly allow this
 * Educators need to identify and capitalize on what SL is best at
 * Research needs to be done on how to make virtual world more accessible to new users