01385nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001260004400042653003100086653004100117653001300158653002400171100001700195700001300212700001300225700001600238700001300254245010700267520078000374022002501154       2020                            d  bSpringer Science and Business Media LLC10aHuman-Computer Interaction10aComputer Networks and Communications10aSoftware10aInformation Systems1 aKrassmann AL1 aNunes FB1 aFlach JM1 aTarouco LMR1 aBercht M00aA framework to prepare the application of virtual worlds in distance education in developing countries3 aThis paper presents a framework to help preparing the implementation of virtual worlds, emphasizing on the requirements that distance education students need to meet to have a successful learning experience. A virtual world was developed using the OpenSimulator platform, under the pedagogical perspective of the Experiential Learning model, in a role-play simulation approach. An exploratory study was carried out with 19 experts from three different domains, collecting specialized feedback around technical and pedagogical dimensions, considering the target audience peculiarities, especially focusing on developing countries. The results culminated with the proposal of eight guidelines to harness the potential of the technology of virtual worlds for distance education.  a1615-5289, 1615-5297