TEACHING IN SECDND LIFE Chris Calvert-Minor UW-Whitewater

WHAT IS SECOND LIFE? a free virtual online multi-user fully user created 3-D environment SL is a constantly running computer simulation platform created in 2003 by Linden Labs.

WHY USE SECOND LIFE FOR TEACHING? 1.Virtual online classroom  Presence & participation  Texture & depth  Props 2.Simulations 3.Community involvement

PRESENCE Traditional online courses use learning management systems (e.g. D2L) asynchronously. Research shows that students feel like isolated individuals with systems like D2L. They are not fully engaged. Second Life brings back the real element of presence and the asset of immediate feedback through dialogue.

PARTICIPATION Students’ options: TEXT CHAT and VOICE CHAT They overwhelmingly choose TEXT CHAT. Why? anonymity of person bite-sized bits of comments/insights immediacy of posting thought

PARTICIPATION Effects?  The potential for a lot more discussion  More student-student interaction than the face-to-face classroom  Tangential, yet relevant, threads of thought can be explored by students in TEXT CHAT while instructor speaks

TEXTURE & DEPTH

Intro to Philosophy course

Eastern Religions course

Modern Japan course

American Indian Studies course

PROPS If you can think it, we can probably make it or get it. Seriously.

SIMULATIONS

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT  Alumni College  Open your course or simulation to the public

SPECIAL THANKS TO: UW-Whitewater Provost’s Office