#22 - Second Life

Before attending the Web 2.0 symposium in early 2008 and I thought that I would try Second Life (as it was one of the topics to be discussed). It took a while to download the software from the net and then was quite slow when I used it (could be my home Internet connection). My avatar's name is Georgiana Wycliff. I found it interesting that you have to choose from a long list of already created surnames (still haven't met another "Wycliff" yet though). Again I found this quite addictive and spent way too much time on it (particularly with changing outfits and body styles, and then of course there is the flying!!!). I think that it is quite funny to observe my Avatar when she uses her hands to type in mid air when "talking" with another Avatar. I have met some interesting people in Second Life - from all around the world. One friend (from Holland) noticed quite early on that I was new and talked me through some of the features. This made it a lot easier, as there is so much to learn. Having said all that I haven't been on it for ages.


Couldn't believe it when I read on our 23Things blog that there are over 9.1 million residents and that the Maldives have an embassy...must look for this. I will have to seek out the Stars Wars world also.


Interesting that the Murdoch Uni Library had "Second Life" sessions, and even more so how they did them. I can only imagine how much time and effort has gone into setting up a Second Life presence, as well as the maintenance and classes involved - could this a specialist area for a LL position?

I can definately see Universities moving more towards the virutal world, and perhaps even moving beyond programs such as Second Life. Our online learning environment is constantly growing and evolving. Students want more flexiblity, and what better way to do it than learn in a virutal world. Sure we use software such as Blackboard but it is still quite impersonal and isolated. Virtual worlds are more appealing - well they are to me!

If ACU established a presence within Second Life I would think that it would be essential to establish a library component. We could look at incorpating our ebook collection into this virutal world, whereby students/staff can select titles from a virual bookshelf and read the item online. Databases and ejournals could be used in the same manner. The possibilites are endless. I am sure that there are a few of us out there that would be interested in becoming involved in such a project - I know that I would!