Session presented by Julia VanderMolen and Maryly Skallos

Second Life is a 3D Virtual World entirely built and owned by its residents….with…a resident population of over 12,997,840 (and growing)…” (Alliance Library System 2009)
Residents come to the world from over 100 countries, span in age from teen – 85 and are about 50% male and 50% female.

There is a Teen Second Life – for ages 13-18. Second Life is not intended for the very young to navigate on their own. Caution should be exercised before entering with children. Teachers of Teens have the opportunity to have their class meet in Second Life and interact. This is an opportunity for the teachers of these teens to explore this world with their students and help them to be the good digital citizens.

There are PD opportunities for Teachers. Webinars are conducted in Second Life. Check out the ISTE island, Discovery Educator Network island, EdTech Island, Newcomer Castle, and more.

Second Life has only been around for 10 years and is growing. I am sure there will be an elementary classroom version of it soon. It is important for teachers (and parents) to learn Second Life so we can guide our students. We can’t teach them tech that we don’t know. We need to know what they are doing, and let’s have some fun in Second Life while we learn. Go to Second Life, download it and create an avatar! See you later in Second Life.