The SWIFT project at the University of Leicester (Second World Immersive Future Teaching) has created a virtual genetics lab within the three-dimensional, virtual world of Second Life, to help students studying genetics and biological science. Phase one of SWIFT uses this virtual lab to help first year undergraduates become acclimatised to working in a laboratory; in particular to learn about the main pieces of equipment and the many health and safety factors involved.
In this video, PD Alchemi (Dr Paul Rudman) and Trinity Quicksand (Dr Suzanne Lavelle) introduce the SWIFT project and the virtual lab.
SWIFT is a three year research project by the departments of Genetics and Beyond Distance Research Alliance, and is funded by the Higher Education Academy National Teaching Fellowship Scheme (NTFS). The Principal Investigator is Prof.Annette Cashmore, researcher Dr Paul Rudman, genetics teacher/consultant Dr Suzanne Lavelle. Prof. Gilly Salmon was research director for the early part of SWIFT.