NETC08 Preconference

From Extension Collaborative Wiki

Beyond the Web: Education in the Second Life Multi-user Virtual Environment

Second Life is an online multi-user virtual environment (MUVE) that was created in 2003. Interest in Second Life as an educational environment continues to explode as educational institutions scramble to create a presence in this virtual environment. eXtension, in late 2006 acquired some "virtual land" with a group of like-minded educational institutions in a space called EduIsland, Morrill Island on the main-grid, and on Bailey Island the teen-only grid to explore educational opportunities with youth learners.

This hands-on and in-depth professional training session will introduce participants to the Second Life experience through some fun activities like virtual shopping, dancing, and sporting activities in addition to a tour showing educational sites, and instructional tools. Skills learned will include creating your own avatar, changing your appearance, gesturing, walking, flying, navigating, and basic building. Participants will be exposed to both the adult and youth eXtension educational space, and learn how they can get involved.

Instructors: Kevin Gamble, Larry Havenstein, LuAnn Phillips, Beth Raney, and Neal Wollenberg