Meeting In Second Life

What do you think about your experiences in SL?
What are the potentials and dangers for integrating this technology in education?


After meeting in Second Life or SL, I was very impressed. I already agreed with technology in the classroom, but after my experience in SL, I agree even more (if that's possible). This program is so unique and so versatile that it's potential is limitless. After learning how to move and use the search functions, it becomes very easy to use, and even fun!

There is limitless potential for this program in education. A high school teacher could use this program as a fun way for the class to meet or as an alternative option on days where in-school class is not possible. A college professor could use the program for the same purposes, but also as a way to meet for distance learning classes "in-person" without actually making people come onto campus.

While it is a wonderful program, there are numerous dangers for using SL in education as well. When using the Internet, the fear of safety with youths is always an issue in regards to predators. Another issue is people pretending to be someone they are not, for instance if someone is supposed to attend a class session and has someone else do it for them since nobody can tell who is on the other end of a computer. Another issue that is not so much a danger, but could affect using SL in the classroom, is that everyone does not necessarily have a computer readily available at home.

Although there are drawbacks to using this program (as there are with any other programs), the benefits far outweigh them as far as I'm concerned.