Second Life at the University

Have you heard of Second Life, but you’re not sure where to begin searching for more information? This is the place!

What is Second Life?

Second Life offers a multi-user virtual environment—a 3-D virtual world built and owned by its residents, whose numbers have grown to exceed millions from around the globe.

Upon entering the virtual world, you encounter vast digital continents affording venues for entertainment, educational experiences, and even commercial opportunities. Fellow residents, can walk or fly to various places, communicate with others, and participate in events. They can also create, buy, sell, and trade objects with other residents to build real world-like facilities and environments.

Second Life supports an economy that is transacted with Linden Dollars, which can be purchased with US dollars on the Linden Dollar Exchange (LindeX). With a common currency, commerce takes place in an open market.

Currently, many educational institutions have a customized presence in Second Life that allows them to share, offer instruction, and explore possibilities utilizing digital frontiers.

Why should I want to know about Second Life?

Students are digital natives whose learning motivation may be boosted with technology
Simulations are very realistic and can provide difficult-to-create experiences
Learning communities can be created to build social networks that share information
Links to resources both inside and outside of Second Life are available
Peers from other educational institutions are already in Second Life
Meetings are easy to conduct in Second Life that are fun and engaging

How can this Web site help me?

Use this Web site for help in getting started using Second Life to enhance your instruction:
Find out what Second Life is
Learn how to set up and use Second Life
Sample an evaluation of the effectiveness of Second Life in course instruction
Get advice on best practices
Find resources to learn more about Second Life