Second Life

Second Life is a 3-D virtual world. It is entirely built and owned by its players known as residents. Since its inception in 2003, it has exploded in popularity and currently boasts upwards of six million residents (http://www.secondlife.com,2006/). Among its residents are educators who are exploring the possibilities of digital literacies. The critical dimension of literacy is the basis for ensuring individuals are not merely able to participate in some existing literacy and make meanings within in, but also that, in various ways, they are able to transform and actively produce it (Gee, 1996). This presentation explores the possibilities of a digital/virtual learning environment. Advantages and disadvantages of utilizing this delivery mechanism as well as the techniques needed for effective delivery will be discussed.

Here are a few educational resources:

Second Life Future Salon
http://slfuturesalon.blogs.com/
“Second Life Future Salon, which meets once a month in the Metaverse to discuss innovation in digital worlds and culture, information technology, simulation, video games, massively multiplayer online role-playing games, 3D creation tools, computer-aided design (CAD) and 3D prototyping, the geospatial Web, augmented reality, and all forms of digital environments plus the technology, social, and business dialogues that can be impacted by them.”

Also held f2f in LA and other US cities, run by Acceleration Studies Foundation: http://accelerating.org/


List of universities and private islands
http://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life:_Universities_and_Private_Islands

Explaining Second Life
POD Casts
Overview of what Second Life is and isn't. Because this was targeting a larger audience I did not focus on education directly; If curious you can listen/share at http://www.managingthegray.com/2006/06/11/second-life-primer/

New Media Consortium

New Media Consortium is great example of educational uses, as well as good resource
http://www.nmc.org/sl/2006/06/12/seriously-engaging-movie/
To get access to the NMC Island, go to http://www.nmc.org/sl/join