So, I'm pretty much a huge nerd. I don't know if any of you have heard of second life before? It's a computer program somewhat like the SIMS only it's much more involved. You create an avatar, dress it up, buy it things, etc. Second life is a huge world where your avatar can explore and do anything you could ever imagine. Anyways, for its uses in the classroom, there are kid friendly zones where nudity, obscene public language, and weapons are prohibited. It would be a great way for students to network with people from other countries. You can even use an interpreting program with your avatar to overcome the language barrier.
On the other side of things some universities are starting to have online classes on second life and some companies are having interviews for jobs on there.
I've attached a link to a CNN article about second life that was put up awhile ago.
Best of luck with your curriculums!
-kimmy
http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/11/13/second.life.university/
I'm pretty much a big nerd too, at least when it comes to gadgets & technology. But I have to say, I've never really been tempted to join Second Life. I think it is interesting, but I prefer forums like blogs or photo & video sharing websites to the immediate interaction of a virtual world. But I encourage you to keep researching educational uses of Second Life - you are right that a lot of people are using it to conduct classes, have meetings, and collaborate!
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