It's called "Second Life" because it's an entire online world, in which avatars, representing the people at the keyboards, interact with one another in a virtual community. A few pioneers in the realm of distance learning are already holding online classes in Second Life, allowing people--or rather their avatars--to participate in real-time distance learning.
Distance education experts speculate that computer communities such as Second Life could change the way online courses are conducted, and further enhance the quality of distance learning throughout the world.
Attending Online Class in Your Second Life
The beauty of Second Life is that you live it from your computer. While your avatar attends an online class (or shops, or swims, or sells real estate, or more) you get to pull the strings from the comfort of your home computer.
According to an article on CNN's Web site, "more than 60 schools and educational organizations have set up shop in the virtual world and are exploring ways it can be used to promote learning."
Whereas students of recent distance learning programs may have attended asynchronous classes, logging on whenever they found the time, distance education participants in Second Life attend online class in real time. The difference, according to several students, is the sense of community created in Second Life.
Distance Learning for Real Life
Whether you attend online class in your Second Life, or simply log on to Web sites and forums to attend a distance learning program, you are creating powerful results for your real life.
Distance education allows people to further their educational goals while still maintaining a busy lifestyle, complete with full-time jobs and family commitments. If you are seeking a better job, a better lifestyle, or simply want to learn something new, investigate the world of distance education, and you may find that online education is right for you.
Source:
CNN
BJ Fairfax holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She writes for a variety of print and online publications.
Distance education experts speculate that computer communities such as Second Life could change the way online courses are conducted, and further enhance the quality of distance learning throughout the world.
Attending Online Class in Your Second Life
The beauty of Second Life is that you live it from your computer. While your avatar attends an online class (or shops, or swims, or sells real estate, or more) you get to pull the strings from the comfort of your home computer.
According to an article on CNN's Web site, "more than 60 schools and educational organizations have set up shop in the virtual world and are exploring ways it can be used to promote learning."
Whereas students of recent distance learning programs may have attended asynchronous classes, logging on whenever they found the time, distance education participants in Second Life attend online class in real time. The difference, according to several students, is the sense of community created in Second Life.
Distance Learning for Real Life
Whether you attend online class in your Second Life, or simply log on to Web sites and forums to attend a distance learning program, you are creating powerful results for your real life.
Distance education allows people to further their educational goals while still maintaining a busy lifestyle, complete with full-time jobs and family commitments. If you are seeking a better job, a better lifestyle, or simply want to learn something new, investigate the world of distance education, and you may find that online education is right for you.
Source:
CNN
BJ Fairfax holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She writes for a variety of print and online publications.
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