In recognition of the considerable innovation, experimentation and dialogue that has been taking place in the virtual worlds arena across the tertiary education sector in Australasia (see Dalgarno, Lee, Carlson, Gregory & Tynan, 2011 for a snapshot), this special issue called for contributions from within the Australasian region, as well as from those farther afield able to position their work against the Australasian context. Articles were requested that addressed theory, research and practical issues related to the use of the technology in both higher and vocational education.