2D Vs. 3D

Second Life Classroom, 3D:

Adobe Connect Classroom, 2D:

Which is more appealing? Which is more comfortable? Which would be a better learning forum?

Postcard from the Rose Garden, Events Forum

Second Life Beginner's Tutorial

History of Second Life

Second Life is an online virtual world developed by Linden Lab. It was launched on June 23, 2003. A number of free client programs, or Viewers,[1][2] enable Second Life users to interact with each other through avatars (Also called Residents). Residents can explore the world (known as the grid), meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services with one another. Second Life is intended for people aged 16 and over.[3]
Built into the software is a three-dimensional modeling tool based on simple geometric shapes that allows residents to build virtual objects. There is also a procedural scripting language, Linden Scripting Language, which can be used to add interactivity to objects. Sculpted prims (sculpties), mesh, textures for clothing or other objects, animations, and gestures can be created using external software and imported. The Second Life terms of service provide that users retain copyright for any content they create, and the server and client provide simple digital rights management functions.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

Second Life Thoughts

At this point you have had some experience in Second Life. What is your opinion of it? Do you think that it is a viable replacement for other forms of real-time instructional interactions?

I think Second Life is an very interesting sign of our times. To me, Second Life shows the evolution of humans, from homo-sapion physicality to virtual reality. The program is science fiction experience come true. We basically are moving into virtual experience to sustain our economic and intellectual growth that humans and civilizations need to survive.

I went into Second Life with Professor Corrigan and Carla for the first time. I am so pleased to have had guidance on where to go, or else I would have been lost. I think about other folks like myself, if people do not have guidance, they could become vulnerable to Second Life persuasions that are not as "safe." I was led straight to a few educational forums. In that moment, my thought was "Wow, what a sign of our times and this is crazy."

I know it has been around a few years, since 2003. I wonder what the major benefits are of having a 3D modeling tool? Developed by software developer Linden Lab as an experiential development, this program has won Technological and Engineering Emmy Awards. I think mostly for the economic doors of opportunity it creates. In our program, this Second Life has major benefits. After experiencing the virtual realm, I see many educational opportunities for us and students. I think most of all, the 3D realm is entertaining and captivating for students. They can literally be connected to people around the world as if they were in a conference room. It feels professional and cutting edge. I have so much more to learn about the program. I know this is just the beginning of a whole new exploration of a world we can build ourselves. I think it is very important to be very particular with ourselves and students in protecting eachother from dangers in the virtual world. For example, not giving away too much personal information. I also think there could be more choices in the Avitars.

Second life vs. reality

Well it is interesting trying to find a good time to go into 2nd Life- I will be going in tomorrow, I'm very excited! This is my current reality, my classroom looking over the fence.

Virtual Educational Experience Through Second Life

Here it goes folks, I am about to journey into a virtual education experience through second life and share with you.

I am currently enrolled in the Teaching English as a Second Language Masters Program at the University of San Francisco. I created my second life Avatar, (picture coming soon) last night with my professor and peer.

My intention in setting up this Blog is to help educate you as a learn about the second life virtual world of endless education resources. This really is cutting-edge technology that is currently reshaping our education system as we speak.

I am very excited about this opportunity.

 

 

 

http://www.usfca.edu/soe/programs/ime/ma_tesl/