Exploring the Dimensions of Self-Efficacy in Virtual World Learning: Environment, Task, and Content

Contributors

Steven Hornik Richard Johnson

Keywords

virtual world, three-dimensional multi-user virtual environment (3D MUVE), Second Life, self-efficacy, financial accounting education

Abstract

This study explores the dimensionality of college students' self-efficacy related to their academic activities in the open-ended virtual world of Second Life (SL). To do this, relevant dimensions of self-efficacy were theoretically derived, and items to measure these dimensions were developed and then assessed using a survey methodology. Using data from 486 students enrolled in an introductory accounting course supplemented by the use of SL, the results of this study confirm the distinction of three dimensions of self-efficacy: Virtual World-Environment Self-Efficacy (VWE-SE), Learning Domain Self-Efficacy (LD-SE), and Virtual World-Learning Domain SelfEfficacy (VWLD-SE). Additionally, this study found that both VWE-SE and VWLD-SE were correlated with course learning. Implications for research and course design are discussed.

Publication Date

6-2014

Original Citation

deNoyelles, A., Hornik, S., & Johnson, R. (2014). Exploring the dimensions of self-efficacy in virtual world learning: Environment, task, and content. MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching, 10(2), 255-271.

Number of Pages

255-271

Document Type

Paper

Source Title

MERLOT Journal of Online Learning and Teaching

Volume

10

Issue

2

Publication Version

Publisher's version

College

Information Technologies & Resources

Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Department

Center for Distributed Learning

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