Why Second Life?

Q.  What is Second Life anyway?

Second Life is a web-based virtual world in which human beings are able to interact with each other by way of virtual selves (so-called avatars).  They are able to do this regardless of physical location or physical ability; all they need is a computer, an internet connection, and fast fingers (for typing).

This is my avatar, Eddy Grunstein, outside my Second Life office.

Q.  Isn’t Second Life just a game?

No, it isn’t.  You can play games in Second Life, of course — just like you can play games in the real world — but Second Life is simply a place where people interact with each other — in all the various ways that they interact in the real world, except they do it virtually.

Q.  Is Second Life appropriate for a college course?

Yes, and a great many colleges and universities have virtual campuses in Second Life.  There will likely always be more people in Second Life playing games of chance, or flirting, or dancing, or shopping — but a great many of us are busily engaged in education.  This is not noticeably different from how things stand in the real world.

Q.  But how will any of this help me learn?

A great many subjects are enhanced through conversation with others.  This is, roughly, what human beings have been doing for quite a few years in the classroom.  Second Life makes group conversation possible, and in this way the online course becomes much more like a face-to-face classroom.

Q.  Why not just meet in a chatroom?

We could, but the experience of meeting as virtual people in a virtual classroom is psychologically much more immediate and engaging.  Apart from that, there are a number of pedagogical tools available to professors in Second Life that are not available with simple chatrooms.

Oh, and the flying in Second Life is way cool.

Q.  Do I need special equipment or software for Second Life?

Maybe.  You’ll definitely need to download and install some free software, and you might need to look into borrowing a better computer, if you are working with an old Compaq 386 from the '80s.  See the page “What You’ll Need” for details.

Q.  Will I be able to play games in Second Life?

Sure, but only on your own time.  During our scheduled class sessions, we’ll normally be in or near my virtual office, discussing philosophy.

Depending on interest and availability, I’ll try to arrange a few quick field trips.  Vassar College, for instance, has re-created the Sistine Chapel — maybe we can hold class in there while discussing the philosophy of religion....

Prepared by Steve Naragon [email].     Last update: 16 May 2010