Second Life

Second Life is a 3-Dimensional virtual world in which individuals can visit from there home computer. The Second Life world is created by its members, and membership is free. Meetings, chats, and specific types of information can be found int his virtual reality world. Once you have downloaded Second Life, a member is asked to create a member name and create an avatar. Your avatar has the capabilities to walk, fly or teleport to other areas, known as "Islands." While in Second Life, one may communicate with other members via text (chat), or use ones voice, if you have a microphone and speakers up and running. Second Life is not for anyone under the age of 18, and if one wishes to create a personal island, they must use Linden ($L) to do so.

Possible uses for Second Life in Education:
Class sessions could be held here
Student research conducted in Second Life via different islands
Perform different research modules about possible environmental factors

Why I wouldn't use Second Life with My Students:
Can't be used with individuals under 18
Hard to learn and navigate quickly
High risk for Internet safety and security with young children

Second Life is a great resource for those individuals that have the time to explore it's options and create islands with meaning. While looking up educational based islands, I found that few of them met my needs or expectations. I'm sure with plenty of practice, one would become proficient in Second Life and be able to search out and find the resources one might need. I do think that Second Life can have a place in Higher Education, and that it's use would be applicable for distance classes in the future.