My Second Life:
Using a Virtual World to
Enhance Communication in
an Internet-Based Class
Mike Phillips (aka Roche Darwin)
Natural Sciences, Illinois Valley Community College
Geography-Geology, Illinois State University
Bill Shields (aka Zeppo Romano)
Geography-Geology, Illinois State University
The On-line Class:
Another Venue
Goal: equivalent to traditional courses
student experiences
student outcomes
Concern: communication
engaging the students
providing motivation
ensuring comprehension
Benefits of Going On-Line
Access to materials
posted on web site
links to primary resources
links to current events
links to engaging materials
Asychronous discussions
thoughtful & reflective
less stressful
easy to follow
conveniently graded
Quick feedback to students
Concerns with Going On-Line
Loose schedule
Communication
tends to be one-on-one
misinterpretations
back and forth can take days
Difficult to “read” the class
Difficult to provide experiences
Students become disengaged
Engaging Students
Blended classes
part on-line & part face-to-face
anytime-anyplace is compromised
Virtual world - 2nd Life
completely on-line
“face-to-face” opportunities
anytime is compromised
anyplace preserved
Second Life
Virtual world
Real-time interaction
Classroom setting
Display area
Virtual experiences
www.secondlife.com
Keys to Success
Create inviting spaces
Classroom
Office
Display
Required orientation
2nd Life
Course introduction
Benefits of 2nd Life:
Classroom
A “Place” to meet
Real-time interaction
Presentation
Open Q & A
Benefits of 2nd Life:
Display Areas
Geology in “3-D”
Student work
Benefits of 2nd Life:
Virtual Experiences
NOAA Island: tsunami
Student Reaction
Positive response on evaluations
Enhanced understanding
High attendance
Creative avatars
Bottom Line
This is engaging
important
What to do…
Go to secondlife.com
create an account
download the program
Go to 2nd Life
install the program
log on
complete the orientation program
explore…
Thank you!
Visit us in Second Life at
Illinois State University’s Geo Island!
Mike Phillips (aka Roche Darwin)
Natural Sciences, Illinois Valley Community College
Geography-Geology, Illinois State University
Bill Shields (aka Zeppo Romano)
Geography-Geology, Illinois State University