Second Life, Virtual World

Education isn’t just for kids! Second Life is a thriving international community for people 17 years old and older, with a strong educational component. Simulations can be built in virtual environments, and learners can experience learning situations unavailable in the real-world. Many institutional and professional groups use Second Life for web conferencing or professional development. Users enter Second Life with an “avatar” that represents them. Learners can have live voice conversations or chat using text. Groups like the International Society for Technology in Education (iste) have a strong presence in Second Life, and offer weekly classes to acclimate newcomers. Educational programs within Second Life range from professional development seminars in teaching, to foreign language classes and tours of virtual recreations of da Vinci’s inventions. Where else could a learner enter a cell and swim around a nucleus, or make friends with someone from China and practice speaking Mandarin? Soon, Second Life will be available for use for ages 16 and up. Be aware that because this environment is free and open to the public, some regions are of adult content; but just like the richness of NYC and the internet, that shouldn’t stop you from visiting the Statue of Liberty or surfing You Tube!