First Steps for a Second Life

Group 2's First Meeting

Derek JeffersonAshley D'Imperio

Carl Fink (Recorder)

Derek gives an impromptu lecture in an ESC classroom

Eileen needs to give us the keys to this!

At this point, we were all spending a lot of our effort figuring out the Second Life interface—how to move without bumping things, how to climb onto something, how to sit down and stand up, etc.

A study group forms near the beach

This was a great chance to familiarize ourselves with the communications systems in SL—except for poor Carl, who couldn't get voice to work right.

Taking a break to enjoy the scenery

Things were starting to feel a bit more natural here. We were able to walk over and sit down in an almost smooth way.

Vacation snap at a local monument

Learning how to interact with “smart” objects in Second Life.

Relaxing in the Tahitian house

Finally, a quiet place with no interruptions

The instructions said to find a quiet place to chat. Up here worked. We also learned that it's easy to lose someone when moving in 3 dimensions—if you get above or below his line of sight, he may not be able to find you easily.

What can we look forward to?

Physical location will be less and less important. Anonymity will be more common in social settings, as real

names and faces are replaced by nyms and avatars/gravatars. Being able to interact with peers, even though we all live in

different areas Though we had some trouble getting sound working for the

whole group, we were able to make things work Technology will change the way we teach children in schools, as

the world is becoming more and more technological. As the outside world changes, education will change as well.