Virtual Way

Although I have both feet firmly planted in real life I can see that universities and libraries could utilize Second Life to present information to students in a novel way within a virtual environment. Ohio University suggests that Second Life can give students the opportunity to spread their wings and to develop their imaginations. At Murdoch University a librarian has conducted workshops on Second Life for staff and students. The librarian argues that Second Life gives people the opportunity to develop new skills when experimenting with new types of technology.

While not being entirely convinced by these arguments an institution with sufficient financial resources could utilize a virtual world in various ways. Perhaps a university library could use Second Life for demonstrating how to use the library and its resources, conduct virtual tours of the library, and publicize new resources. Universities could use Second Life to assist students to find their way around campus, or to present English language courses for overseas students to help them learn the language faster. Business, Engineering, and Arts faculties could set assignments that encourage students to experiment with strategies to solve problems in a virtual world. This might help them discover innovative solutions for problems that exist in the real world.