Second Life
Second life is an example of emerging technology that is finding a place at the University of San Diego. It is the largest virtual world in a crowded field of competitors, developed by Linden Labs, a private corporation. It is 3-D computer-generated world that is accessible via the Internet. Both PC and Mac users can download a free client program that enables residents to socially interact through 3-D characters known as avatars. Avatars can be created to resemble the user, or other fancy full creation. And educational uses of second life vary from virtual world implementations of real-world campuses, two unique environments created to support specific educational goals. Participants can engage in rich sensory experiences, activities and environments that can be difficult to duplicate in the real world. Participants collaborate via chat or speech. USDs implementation of second life is with an emphasis on adding value to courses in ways that otherwise would be unable or impractical to implement in the real world. From Art Gallery exhibits, to medieval fork lower classes, history, astronomy to microbiology, many educational examples exist within second life.
- The University of San Diego has established a developing presence within Second Life on land shared with other educational institutions.
- Initial plans are to learn how to build structures to house items that feature a range of educational destinations and demonstrations of technology that cover courses of interest to faculty.
- Discussions with faculty will ensue to determine what courses they offer that may best take advantage of development within the Second Life environment.
- Ultimately, plans are to leverage the unique capabilities and environment within Second Life to build collaborative courses that can most take advantage of this environment.
- Students and faculty can make access virtual classes from any computer anywhere with an Internet connection.
- Many constraints on projects imposed by the real world such as of a financial or space-related nature can be circumvented in Second Life.
- Students can interact in real time via voice or chat 24 hours day seven days a week.
- Environments can be built to suit course content. A Medieval Folklore class can be held in a medieval setting, Philosophy can be held in a Greek setting, microbes can be giant-sized for Biology.
- Click on http://secondlife.com to download the free client software and get started. All new participants are transported to Orientation Island, where they are given the ability to alter their avatar’s appearance and generally learn how to navigate the environment. (Be aware that most areas within Second Life are outside the University’s control).
- We're here to help!
Phone: 619.260.7400
Email: iTeam@sandiego.edu
In person: 194-196 Maher Hall
