Second Life and the Classroom

In the online world of Second Life, virtual residents known as avatars can move through life-like situations including creating and maintaining businesses, friendships and social situations. Companies like Coca-Cola sponsor concerts and Reuters has actual correspondents who report on Second Life news. Recognizing that this virtual world lends itself perfectly to education, more and more college professors are using Second Life in online and classroom teaching. According to CNN, over sixty universities and colleges have set up classrooms in this online world where professors deliver lectures, oversee classroom discussions and hold office hours.

So how does this work? Any one can go on to the site at www.secondlife.com and download the software. Once downloaded, you create your own avatar and then decide which area of the site you would like to enter. Linden Labs, creator of the program, has worked with educators to set up classroom portals where students can enter (as their avatars) and interact with other students and the instructor. Currently, these portals cost $1000. for initial set-up and approximately $150. a month to maintain. However, one does not necessarily need their own portal or world in order to use all that Second Life has to offer. The tools available through the program allow one to move their avatar through the virtual world and to chat with others through a text based program. In addition, educators can develop unique content for the site which can be read by the entire community.

For many online instructors, Second Life adds an element of "real-time interaction." While online learning is the wave of the future, many students and professors miss the face to face interaction that comes with classroom learning. Avatars in Second Life act as "virtual" stand-ins and can replicate the characteristics of the person allowing for a more personal experience.

If you are interested in learning more about this virtual world, check out www.classroom20.com/group/secondlife.

Ellen Feig