Three-Dimensional Virtual Worlds: Research Trends and Future Directions

Use of three-dimensional virtual world platforms has been increasing worldwide. These online multi-user spaces, where users move and interact in a simulated three-dimensional spaces, provide many opportunities for learning and teaching process. Educators worldwide have been experimenting to use these technologies by investing on research and development. The purpose of this study is to analyze research trends in three-dimensional virtual world literature. The results of the study will provide a roadmap to the researchers and educators who wants to use these environments for an educational purposes.