Module+2

**Module 2: What is Second Life??? **

 * Why Do This?**
 * MUVEs or [|Multi-User Virtual Environments] are picking up speed with every day.
 * Second Life is probably the best known of them but there are several being developed as we speak.
 * They are not games! There are no story arcs or required roles - participants are expected to follow basic rules of civility and to create the world as they go.
 * Because the largest demographic group using Second Life is between 25 and 45 - it is uniquely suited to help us as professionals develop our PLNs or Personal Learning Networks.


 * So, what is this thing called [|Second Life]?** It is an MUVE (Multi-User Virtual Environment) that is undergoing constant design by the residents who create groups, communities, islands, buildings, and more. Second Life (SL) is under constant renovation.

**Let's start with some definitions:**
 * **Avatar** : Your 3D virtual representation. It can look like human, a furry (a non-human avatar) or a teacup! The only thing that will limit your Avatar is your imagination. Sometimes called and Avi.
 * ** Sim **: Simulations are any area in SL that has been developed. For example: The sim of the International Space Flight Museum where you can go and tour the space shuttle.
 * ** In-world **: Anything within Second Life can be referred to as in-world as opposed to in the Real World (RL)
 * ** Landmark **: Information on a specific location in Second Life. Landmarks allow you to teleport to specific locations and to save them in your inventory just like bookmarks in your web browser.
 * **Professional Development:** Opportunities for professionals to network, learn, hear presentations from national experts, have discussions with other educators from around the world.

** Discovery Exercises: **
 * Task 1: ** Read the article [|//Virtual Worlds for Educators//] by Steve Dembo (I recommend downloading the pdf as it is graphics heavy and may freeze if you open it in your browser). **Blog your response to the article**.

[|What is Second Life?]From Linden Labs [|Second Life Introduction] This is on YouTube so it may be blocked if you are accessing from some public institutions.
 * Task 2 **: The best way to find out about what Second Life is all about is to visit a few sites:

**Task 3** : Blog about what you are currently thinking about SL. What did you know before reading the article and watching the SL videos? What did you learn that surprised you? What would you like to know more about?

**Additional Resources:** [|Designing Your Second Life]by Rebecca Tapley - 978-0-321-50301-5 $29.99 This is a very good introduction with a lot of very practical tips. Very good for the beginner.

Presentation of a Literature review from Virtual Life Education New Zealand media type="custom" key="5484287"