Adult Learning Environment in Second Life

Barbara Z. Johnson

Challenging Assignments

• Distance Education for a methods course• “Why do we need Human Subjects Protection

training??”• What do you mean by my “identity” or

“positionality”?• 100% white working professionals• Constantly bombarded with media polls and

non-regulated surveys and interviews

Traditional Answer

Second Life - Powerful & Inexpensive

Experiential & Just in Time

Using the Consent! Game from Global Kids of NYC and avatars purchased in Second Life

Anytime & Anywhere & Any Computer

http://www.epa.gov/enviro/facts/img/us_map.gif

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bidwell/23/120/29

Social

Flexible Assignments

Guided & Structured

Challenge: User’s Technology• Old computers• Slow or no Internet

connection• Second Life or ports

blocked• Ideopathic technology

problems

Challenge: Learning to Use

• 15 million have tried Second Life• ~ half a million active users• Cite difficulty learning to move around or

navigate• Nothing to do• Not game-like

Challenge: Familiar vs. Strange

Challenge: Reliability

Challenge: Managing Limits

• Number of “prims” (basic geometric units) in a unit of virtual land

• Amount of CPU cycles or processing load per unit of virtual land

• Number of people who can be in a area• Managing voice overlap• Managing streaming media

Challenge: Accessibility

• Very visually intense• Requires dexterity to move• Debate about voice use in

Second Life when deaf people are present

• But can be a real boon to people with mobility challenges

Challenges: Managing in SL

• Griefers• Space• Visual lines• Voice • Lack of real privacy