Second Life added to University's curriculum
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Apr 18th 2006 at 6:55PM }
Sarah Robbins, a.k.a. Intellagirl, is gearing up
to teach her English 104 course online, in the world of Second Life. The Ball State University professor will
guide 18 students through the core-curriculum class by encouraging them to explore a virtual island campus, which
Robbins designed. But slackers hoping for that easy 'A' will be in for a surprise. "It's probably going to be
harder than any other 104," says Robbins, adding, "but it may be more fun."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
AnimalTaglits @ Apr 18th 2006 7:14PM
This is funny.
I feel sorry for the students but envious at the same time. They get to spend class time playing a game but that game is Second Life. :)
DCSimian @ Apr 18th 2006 7:57PM
Ok...I'm curious and apparently in the dark...
I've heard of this Second Life game for awhile now, but have no idea where it came from and when it started up...partly because I haven't bothered to look :-p
What's the deal with this game? Any Joystiqers play it?
druby @ Apr 18th 2006 7:59PM
I actually taught a university Digital Media art class within/using SL a year ago; Linden has a program in place to accomodate a few classes. It was interesting, and having nonlocal class "attendance" is cool, but (then, at least) the SL interface is ultimately too awkward, and the "limitless possibilities" are exhausted pretty quickly.
The Metaverse it is not. Yet.
Presentlight @ Apr 18th 2006 8:05PM
Second Life is another online game that resembles an MMORPG (but minus the leveling up and XP). You can buy islands, houses, clothes,pretty much anything (including a HUGE amount of user created content). You can also design your own items for sale. The currency is called Linden and you obtain this currency by purchasing online (similarto MS points on XBL). From what I understand, it can be converted back into US dollars too.
Ethan @ Apr 18th 2006 8:40PM
This isn't a particularily new thing. I ran about a third of one my my classes this Semester in DOFUS.
elle @ Apr 18th 2006 9:27PM
"The currency is called Linden and you obtain this currency by purchasing online" or by waiting for your weekly allowance, which is very little for people who don't pay the monthly fee; or by offering services, which includes the always-popular art of penis-crafting.
Beat _that_, World of Warcraft!
Gangrene @ Apr 20th 2006 9:55AM
Prof. Solomon here: www.studygaming.com has been teaching students using Second Life as well.
If anyone is in the DC area, they should come check out the game day event listed on the front page. There's going to be an experimental live-action Zelda game, and one of the Oblivion guys is coming to speak.