Virtual Worlds

Second Life is a virtual community that imitates a real life one. Many of the things done in your community, such as go to restuarants, coffee houses, libraries, resorts, special events, meetings, can be done in Second Life. As Moll Monaron, I visited the American Library Association, Winter Wonderland, Pooley Stage, Out of Control, and various coffee houses.

I enjoyed visiting. The creativity and the knowledge base needed to build the various "lands" is admirable! The detail used in building some places is unbelievable! The churches and cathedrals are worth the visit.

Converting real cash to Linden dollars and buying and selling wares is how you build the financial base to buy land, shop etc. On your land you can build a home, business, organization, etc., and as an avatar visit them by teleporting. Some places are private and/or require a fee or "special welcome pass" to visit, while most are open to the general public.

It will appeal to middle and high school kids because of its "gamelike" appearance and avatars. From the classroom perspective, students could have building projects that are curriculum based. The point being that they demonstrate knowledge on a synthesis level and beyond that of traditional tests.

Since these kids are still "becoming" or developing physically and mentally, school pychologists, parents, etc. need to play in part in developing curriculum to ensure the best interest of students is not jeopardized as I can see where an imbalance between worlds can occur.