A systematic review of the experience of using second life in the education of undergraduate nurses

The virtual world of Second Life^® is an emerging technology that is being considered as a simulation methodology for the education of professionals. Particularly for nursing, the adoption of simulation, although a response to technological advancement, is occurring during changes in population health care needs, the resultant impact on the workforce, and also the changing profile of students. This systematic review aimed to establish the current applications of Second Life in the education of undergraduate nursing students. Databases searched were CINAHL^®, Medline^®, Education Research Complete^™, ERIC^™, Computers and Applied Sciences Complete^™, and Library, Information Sciences and Technology^™. Fourteen studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Evidence identified included the themes of transferability from theory to practice, focus on learner centeredness, and evaluative processes. This review demonstrates that positive learning outcomes are achievable in Second Life. Evaluative research is in an early stage, and further investigation is warranted. [J Nurs Educ. 2015;54(10):572–577.]