Learning in Virtual Worlds

In fall 2008, John Kane and Greg Ketcham began exploring classroom use of Second Life using borrowed space on the Monroe Community College island and virtual land that was purchased by John Kane. At the end of the spring 2008 semester, SUNY-Oswego acquired an island in Second Life. This island is now fully open for instructional use.

Some of the facilities available for classroom use include:

An art gallery (currently containing an exhibition of some of Richard Zakin's newest work):

A cinema showing microeconomics tutorial videos:

A 1930's style diner for small group and class meetings:

An online tutoring center set up by Michael Regan:

A virtual campus center, containing an ice rink (of course) with a rideable Zamboni, a pool, an air hockey table, a Whack-a-Mole game, a dance floor, and a stage for live music performances.

A small seminar/conference room with slide presenter:

A virtual classroom in the sky:

We also have a nice beach area with rideable jetskis and windsurf boards to relax at in between classes.