Comments on: “Let’s Do Some Crimes” in Second Life

By: Jami Bryan

Jami Bryan — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:52:00 +0000

Hi Jim!
I have to say I was surprised and relieved to hear an instructional technologist express doubts about Second Life. I had some serious doubts about how it was applicable to teaching and learning, but I thought that was just because I am a stodgy old librarian. I couldn’t see the value of Second Life beyond being a virtual meeting place. And not being a fan of avatars or fake names, I couldn’t see why it was any more useful than any other virtual environment or way of interacting online.

But I saw the light at ELI 2008. A presentation by some folks from Seton Hall called Exploring Literary Texts Through Virtual Worlds http://connect.educause.edu/Library/Abst…) finally presented an example of how putting students in Second Life provided them with opportunities for learning that they wouldn’t have had in the physical environment.

For many faculty and librarians, this has to be the selling point of new technologies. While convenience and improved processes is certainly a selling point (things that make my life and my students lives easier), technologies that allow students increased opportunities for sharing and learning and/or opportunities that they wouldn’t have in the physical environment will almost sell themselves.

So I am sold on Second Life. That doesn’t mean you will see me flying from island to island (although now that I know my avatar could wear a tiara does make it more attractive!). But it does mean that Second Life will be an option in my teaching arsenal.

By: jimgroom

jimgroom — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:36:05 +0000

@Mike,

So glad you got the Repo Man reference, I was beginning to think people might mistake me for a delinquent.

By: Mike Caulfield

Mike Caulfield — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 11:52:19 +0000

You know, but in the end I blame society. Society made me what I am.

Or something like that.

By: Gardner

Gardner — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:21:06 +0000

coughs politely

By: Gardner

Gardner — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:20:43 +0000

I would never be so bold as to expect a cool faculty member from UMW to be seduced by Second Life.

By: jimgroom

jimgroom — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 02:07:34 +0000

Hey Carole,

I would never be so bold as to expect a cool faculty member from UMW to be seduced by Second Life. I think there is something there, but it ain;t no UMW Blogs

I’m still getting my feet under me here, but so far everything is going well. Miss you all, and have been lurking in your courses to make up for any separation anxiety.

By: cgar

cgar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:59:04 +0000

How the heck are you?
Carole

By: cgar

cgar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 21:58:37 +0000

Hey Jim.
I’m not so sure about second life…hell, I’m just trying to get a life. We miss you!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: jimgroom

jimgroom — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:21:56 +0000

Also Gardner,

Now that I am thinking about your comment, can I take that as a subtle hint for things to come this May? Please say yes!

By: jimgroom

jimgroom — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:20:39 +0000

Gardner,

Excellent point. One of the things that intrigued me during the preview was the Tornado script someone had built. Seeing those poeple caught up in the void made me want to know what that must have been like. I guess it’s time to stop complaining and find out just how much time and energy it would take to build something.