Teaching in Virtual Worlds: an Introduction to Second Life

by

Geoff Cain, M.S.

Tacoma Community College

What is it? Social Network Role-Playing Business Marketing R & D Teaching

Why Use It? Participation Communication Engagement Investment

Communication

Six Modes in Second Life

Getting Started

Technical Considerations Computer requirements

Video card Processor speed

Lab / Classroom requirements High speed internet Network configuration

Signing Up and Creating an Avatar

Registering

Registering

Registering

Registering

Registering

Logging-In

Review Tutorials

Class Spaces in SL Angel Learning Evergreen Island Attend meetings (meet people)

Evergreen Island Community Colleges in Second Life SLED

Teaching Considerations Creating

assignments Classroom

management Technical hurdles Learning Curve “Newness”

Managing a Class Start small Give detailed instructions Employ the buddy system Let the students know what to expect Use synchronous & asynchronous assignments

Resources Second Life Second Life Educators

Subscribe Second Life Tutorials A Guide to SL for Librarians Best Practices in Education New Media Consortium Orientation SBCTC in Second Life