In its early days, Second Life (SL) became popular for its vice and adventure, but things in-world seem to be shifting.

Educational institutions seem to be emerging as one of the leading developers in-world. Universities abroad and in the U.S., such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Texas A&M, California State University and countless others are building virtual campuses in SL.

With more than 100 higher education institutions already signed up, Linden Labs, the creators of SL, have developed an area called “Campus: Second Life.” This campus region allows educators to purchase temporary land grants at discounted rates to launch their campus and experiment with virtual learning.

Institutions have taken advantage of this campus in a wide variety of ways. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) built an in-world facility where teachers provide interactive demonstrations and visitors can ride submarines or experience a tsunami. Ohio University has an art and music center with gallery space for artists. Other institutions are using SL to recruit students, stay connected with alumni or hold classes in-world.

Aaron Delwich, an assistant professor at Trinity University in San Antonio conducts classes in SL. His take on the advantages of in-world learning is that the “online environment tends to be a little less stuffy than the real-world classroom. Suddenly (the students) got to adopt these ridiculous avatars and interact with each other in a completely different context.”

TVG has collaborated with Cornell University business and economics professor, Robert Bloomfield. Professor Bloomfield is developing the Worlds for Study project to promote using virtual worlds for learning real world business. He is one in a growing population that champions the unique possibilities Second Life generates for research and education.

As individuals and companies of all kinds join SL, educational institutions seem to be taking the lead and using the virtual world for innovative and exciting ways. Want to know more or move your organization into Second Life? TVG’s office in Second Life is located at FairChang CalypsoNW /210/108/24, and can be accessed by Second Life residents at FairChang CalypsoNW /210/108/24. Call us for more information at 314-991-4641 or email us at TVG@vandivergroup.com.

Contact us at tvg@vandivergroup.com or send comments to blog@vandivergroup.com.