Second Life

Second Life® (SL) is a three-dimensional (3D), computer generated, and fully immersive world that is created entirely by its users. You may choose to be whoever you want to be, and everyone is a real person (as opposed to non-player characters). You can join this community for free at their site here:  http://secondlife.com/. You can also visit the Destination Guide here http://secondlife.com/destinations?lang=en-US to determine where you would like to visit or maybe you would like to shop. You may also view upcoming events. Be aware that there are G (General), M (Mature or PG-Rated ) and Adult (X) rated regions. The Adult sites may contain sexual content. Only enter regions with which you are comfortable.

Character Creation

You will be able to choose your avatar when you first begin with SL. Don’t worry – you can change your avatar at any time you like, and you may also change your appearance as often as you want.

Caledon Oxbridge

A great place to start in SL is the Caledon Oxbridge Gateway: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge/92/197/28. Here you will be taken through a short tutorial giving you helpful information such as using your toolbars, how to move around in SL, and safety guidelines to help make your time in SL enjoyable. Just follow the arrows along the floor.

Caledon Oxbridge also offers free classes that are free and open to all. One of these classes is on how to buy and rent land in SL and one on smart shopping. They post a two-week schedule along the tutorial path.

Empire State College

ESC has a sophisticated SL campus with various learning spaces.

You’ll find the presentation and meeting Rotunda, and the Roundtable Discussion classroom on the Center for Distance Learning campus:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SUNY%20ESC%20LearningZone/78/151/27

The Graduate School Virtual Learning Zone is here: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/SUNY%20ESC%20LearningZone/149/211/37.

Jana Allmand-Zeman and Nicola Marae Allain