Topic Name:Second Life

Facilitator: Kathryn Greenhill

Discussion/Summary:

Second Life:
Academic environment - struggle to engage with students, getting them to lectures. Second Life as a virtual space to engage with them?

Onscreen introduction to SL. Possible to do things that you can't do in the real world (don't put a roof on your building or avatars can't 'fly' into them)

Businesses on SL. ABC, Qantas, IBM, etc

Murdoch is in SL, but is not providing library services.

SLQ will be including SL in an onsite exhibition. Will have a virtual presence in SL. May hold events in SL. Smart Service Qld is running a community engagement project in SL - Qld island.

Q: Is it just for entertainment?
A: No - education, communication, etc.

Demo: Australian Libraries bldg. Cybrary City. Link to Lib Aust. home page.
Teleport friends, change clothing

Virtual books are possible.

Everything you create is 'owned' by you - the creator.

Chat to friends - voice or text. Give gifts, communicate via 'sign language'.

Appeals to adults, who haven't got 'gaming' yet.

Beginners work through 'orientation island' tutorials before entering the SL world.

Resources: An Introduction to Second Life by Jokay Wollongong and Sean McDunnough