A Review of Experiential Learning in Virtual Worlds Conference Themes: What are We Saying? How are We Changing?

The Experiential Learning in Virtual Worlds conferences have produced a number of excellent works on the use and application of virtual words in education and experiential learning. Emerging from on-going discussions amongst some participants who have attended all of the conferences, this contribution examines the themes and trends of topics submitted for consideration to the first four ELVW conferences. Based on the official programs for each ELVW event available from the conference website, all listed abstracts were examined using a qualitative theme analysis approach. We discuss the core themes that have emerged and place them in the context of the annual Call for Proposals. These themes are then compared to the ELVW5 Conference Program. We also discuss implications for future exploration of virtual world research and consider possible directions the field may take.