Second Life

Goals

1. Understand the term virtual world.
2. Explore Second Life as an example of a virtual world.
3. Explore instructional applications of Second Life.
4. Complete Assignments 1 -3 (below).

 Learning Outcomes

1. Describe how a virtual world may be used in an instructional setting.
2. Evaluate an educational or instructional use of  Second Life.
3. Explore the potential and drawbacks of using a virtual world in an instructional setting.

Virtual Worlds

A virtual world is a simulated environment (or “sim”) that provides interaction by users through avatars, or visual representations of themselves. The environments can be fantastical or can emulate the real world, but common elements include real-time communications, shared space, and interactivity. Some examples of virtual worlds include (but certainly are not limited to)

• Active Worlds Educational Universe
• Second Life (UK has virtual space in this “world”)
• The Alice Project
• Everquest
• World of Warcraft

Second Life

Launched in 2003, Second Life (http://secondlife.com), or SL as it is abbreviated, is a large virtual world created by its “residents,” meaning those who create an account – free or paid – and create a personal avatar. Residents then can spend time in a vast number of locations (“islands”) that have been created by the users for their own purposes, including education, socializing, entertainment and commerce.  Artists, musicians, and public speakers can be found in Second Life, as well as retailers, companies, entrepreneurs, governments and political parties.

If you’d like to view an excellent introductory video before you try it (the video walks you through both account setup and your first steps in Second Life itself), view this SL tutorial created for University of Maryland students (viewing time: just under 10 minutes).

Assignment #1 – Sign up for Second Life and Create an Avatar

(Estimated time to complete: approximately 60-90 minutes)

1. Go to http://secondlife.com and click on the GET STARTED button (orange button, top right).
2. Choose an avatar “look” to get started. You can change your avatar’s look (and even gender) later. As you make your choice, think about your purpose in Second Life. Is it school-related? If so, make your choice somewhat conservative.
3. At the next screen, you may choose a community, or not.
4. Enter your avatar’s first name. (Your choice. Choose something that won’t be too hard for friends and colleagues to spell or find by searching.)
5. Click on Get Available Last Names and choose one, and continue with the registration form.
6. WRITE DOWN or email to yourself your Avatar first and last names and your password. The most common login problem by far is not remembering your name and password.
7. Complete the rest of the registration process and click Create Account.
8. Check your email to click and confirm.
9. Download Second Life to your computer. (If you are doing this in an office on campus, then you may first need to check with your college or department technology contact.)
10. Open Second Life and log in with your user name and password. Read and Agree to the Terms of Service and click Continue. PLEASE NOTE: Second Life viewing will depend heavily on the age and graphics drivers of your computer. You may see everything clearly right away; or, you may have limited viewing. If necessary you can make adjustments in Edit>Preferences>Graphics and also Edit>Preferences>Network.
11. You will be placed on an orientation island. Follow the instructions to complete tasks and learn how to move in Second Life.
12. If your orientation island was not Public Orientation Island, and if you feel that you need more assistance once you complete #11, then a good next stop is Public Orientation Island. Use your Search button (bottom middle of screen). Click on it and search under the Places tab for Orientation Island Public. Click on the Teleport button that appears under the picture.
13. On Orientation Island, you may end up facing an exit sign (this way out). Just turn and follow the footpath to find stations where you can adjust your avatar, move and communicate in Second Life.
14. When you are finished, go to University of KY Island. Either Search Places for University of KY (spelled exactly like that) and then Teleport, or use this slURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/University%20of%20KY/179/147/30 and click the Teleport Now button that you will see.
15. Explore the island.
16. Friend Wildcat Thursday (UK Island administrator): Right click on the body of your avatar, and from the pop-up wheel, choose Friends. (Or, in the top menus click on Edit>Friends.)  To the right of the box that appears, click on Add. Search for Wildcat Thursday and click Select.
17. Join the University of Kentucky Group: Right click on the body of your avatar, and from the pop-up wheel, choose Groups. (Or, in the top menus click on Edit>Groups.) To the right in the box that appears, click on Search. In the search line, type University of Kentucky. NOTE: Be sure to click the box to choose “Include Mature Content.” Click on University of Kentucky group, then click on View Full Profile. Join the group by clicking Join under the picture.

 Assignment #2 – Exploring Second Life Education (SLED)

 (Estimated time to complete: approximately 60 minutes)

1. Take a look at the Second Life Education Wiki to learn more about SL resources availble.
2. Check out the SLED listserv. You may view archives and even join the listserv. (This listserv generates a lot of email; if you join, you may wish to set your preferences to a daily or weekly digest of messages).
3. Read the latest at the official blog for University of KY Island: http://ukisland.wordpress.com/
4. Visit at least three of the following areas in SL (open Second Life and log in, and when you click on the following links you will be able to Teleport to these locations):
   • Vassar’s virtual Sistine Chapel
   • DePaul University
   • Virtual Brain Center (School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Marist College)
   • Northern Michigan University Speech-Language & Hearing Science and Anatomy Models
   • Georgia Tech Research Institute: Foundations for the Future (to assist K-12 educators in incorporating technology)
   • University of Plymouth’s Sexual Health Sim
   • Virtual State Fair/Cooperative Extension
   • The Globe Theatre (a working theater)
   • NASA CoLab Island

Assignment #3 - Reflections (Applications to Instructional Settings)

(Estimated time to complete: approximately 20 minutes)

1. In the blog you have created for your assignments (or your wiki, notes or other reflections tool), describe how a virtual world setting may be used in an instructional setting.
2. In your entry, include your own evaluation of one of the sites listed above, or one you found on your own, as an educational or instructional tool. What criteria would you identify as essential for a successful site, and how does the site you are evaluating measure up (or not)? Hint: A good resource for finding a site of interest will be the SLED listserv link, above.
3. Do you think virtual worlds are at all useful in an academic setting? Describe the potential benefits and/or drawbacks of using such a service in an academic setting.