[K12OSN] "Second Life" in Education Interview: Wow...

[Steve Hargadon]

http://educationbridges.net/k12opensource/wp-content/uploads/SecondLife.mp3
http://educationbridges.net/k12opensource/wp-content/uploads/SecondLife.ogg

I don't know whether to be scared or excited about Second
Life<http://secondlife.com/>.
This interview today with Gavin
Dudeney<http://www.theconsultants-e.com/courses/tutors/dudeney/index.asp>of
The
Consultants-E <http://www.theconsultants-e.com/>, who run the EduNation
island in Second Life, was a fascinating look at this virtual online
world--a place where Gavin spends 8 - 10 hours per day!

We spent the first half of the interview just talking about how Second Life
works. It is both compelling and frightening at the same time--the idea of
"going" to a virtual location for a conference actually makes a lot of sense
(with all of the technologies built into the venue, it will be very
intuitive), but paying money for designer clothing to put on your online
avatar (character)? Yikes. I have an image of pale, lifeless children
sitting dark rooms in front of their computers, sucking nutrients from a
tube while their heroic online avatars live their lives for them...

When I asked about the safety issues relating to the use of Second Life for
youth, Gavin described a "teen grid," which even Gavin doesn't have access
to because you have to apply and go through some security/background checks
to be able to interact with youth there.

This interview is only about 33 minutes long, and--for those who don't know
anything about Second Life--should be a real eye-opener. At the end of the
interview Gavin generously gives instructions for getting a personal tour
from him once you are in Second Life.

Steve

-- 
Steve Hargadon
steve at hargadon.com
916-899-1400 direct

www.SteveHargadon.com - (Blog on Educational Technology)
www.K12Computers.com - (Refurbished Dell Optiplexes for Schools)
www.EdTechLive.com (Podcasts, Workshops, & Conferences)
www.TechnologyRescue.com - (Linux Thin Client Solutions)
www.LiveKiosk.com - (Web Access and Content Delivery Solutions)
www.PublicWebStations.com - (Disaster & Shelter WebStation Software)
www.K12OpenSource.com (Public Wiki)
www.SupportBlogging.com (Public Wiki)
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