What uses can you think of for virtual worlds within your own organization?
I think one of the most promising uses for Second Life and other/future non-game virtual worlds is distance learning. Like other programs, it provides geographically-diverse students the ability to convene and learn in a common environment. Unlike Elluminate, WIMBA, or chat rooms, SL offers users the visual feel of a classroom.
Of course, the platform, as it is, provides many, many challenges. While SL can have a steep learning curve for some and the need for advanced hardware, I think one of the biggest unavoidable challenges is a connectivity issue.
Some of those who have the greatest need for distance learning opportunities are in remote, rural areas. However, many rural areas still do not have access to a broadband
connection, and therefore, no ability to efficiently and effectively use Second Life (as it
currently is configured...I have ADSL at home and T1 at work and still
find it sluggish).
I think there is hope on the horizon! Virtual worlds are still in their infancy. As they are further explored and developed, improvements will be made to make software more accessible. Also, the digital television transition and the broadband initiatives (BTOP and BIP) being funded by the Recovery and Reinvesment Act are designed to bring higher connections to rural America and the whole country.
Until the platform is improved and made more
accessible, Second Life isn't
necessarily a solution for reaching rural learners at this time. However, I am confident improvements and changes will be made in the future that will make virtual world a good choice for distance learning opportunities.
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I think once I got the hang of Second Life distance learning would be an exciting way to go to class. while I was on Second Life someone came up to me and started speaking to me in Spanish. It turns out the guy was from Colombia! It was so cool to be talking to someone in a completely different country in the privacy of my own home. I think having a class meeting in a classroom on SecondLife would be amazing, but I worry about the connectivity issues too. there are still glitches with logging onto Angel or Elluminate, so I think the professor of the class would have to be really understanding and patient to connectivity issues. hopefully with the grants and funds towards digital TV will help connect the rural areas, and distance learning can be used with more ease and less frustration.