Second Life
Live blogged: please excuse awkward wording and misspellings.
If you’re like me, you’ve been so busy with your first life that you haven’t taken the time to investigate Second Life fully. Valerie Hill, librarian in Lewisville ISD, is studying Second Life for her doctoral dissertation. She came and shared a little bit about SL with TASLA attendees.
SL has many opportunities for school librarians. There are many professional development sessions, virtual classrooms, conferences, workshops, immersive learning environments, and research symposiums.
Valerie described participating in meetings with school library heavyweights, such as David Loertscher and attending conference such as NECC and TCEA virtually through Second Life.
There are other virtual worlds: Whyville is one in particular, for students ages 9-12.
Virtual worlds have many benefits for students. They are synchronous, participants can interact, information can be manipulated in ways not possible in the “real” world, and real time voice communication is possible. The learning curve and possible expense are some of the limitations.
Word of warning: Just as you stay away from the rough parts of town in real cities, there are parts of Second Life that you may not want to visit.
Have you tried Second Life?
