Assignment 7 – Second Life

Our last assignment dealt with the emerging technology, Second Life. Dr. Mark created avatars for us, and we were required to adjust to the Second Life environment, learn how to change our avatar’s clothes, and prepare for a Second Life presentation. For the presentation, we had to present five slides of research, a handout for anyone who wanted it, a brief bio, and a title slide. I was a little nervous about what I would present, but I eventually just decided to go with my research paper for this class.

I had my doubts about Second Life’s potentials at first, but once I had my meeting with Dr. Mark and Jenn, I realized just a fraction, I’m sure, of Second Life’s abilities. Then, when Drs. Yuen and Mark started discussing the possibilities of online conferences, I suddenly realized how incredibly amazing Second Life is.

The assignment for Second Life was to become accustomed to our avatars, attend class meetings online when needed, and give a presentation on Thursday, July 22.

All in all, I love Second Life. I’ve showed it to my coworkers and explained the potentials it has.

You want to attend class somewhere where you couldn’t travel? Have class in Second Life.

You want to attend (or even create!) a conference, but there’s no money in the travel budget? Have a conference in Second Life.

We’re just tapping the tip here, too, but I am just stunned with everything that Second Life offers. It’s not just listening to a lecture – you actually see a person’s avatar, and, through that avatar, you get a sense of what that person is like. What do they draw inspiration from, are they creative, are they serious, are they silly?

I’m not sure if I’ll use Second Life in my class this next year. I feel that I need to become more accustomed to what Second Life offers, but I did get very excited with Dr. Mark suggested the possibility of an international conference this fall via Second Life. Like the title of this class, this is an emerging technology, one that can easily benefit academia. Everything I mention seems to revolve around money, but that’s such a huge burden for universities right now. As I work at a university and attend an out-of-state university, as well, perhaps that’s why I’m so quick to see where money can be saved.

In all, I thought Second Life was a fantastic aspect to this class. Not only is it fascinating, but it’s just downright fun. Madelon made a comment on one of her blogs about how Second Life could become addicting, and I wholeheartedly agree. I spent a lot of time on there without even realizing where the hours had gone.