Over the past couple of weeks I have had students ask me to fill out college recommendation forms. I have so much respect for those rare students who have figured out my computer class and earned an A+. I would bet that 90% of those students will become successful. It is rare for a "book-smart" student to get an A+ because I assess more creative and practical thinking skills in my assessments which are project-based. Usually my street smart students excel. Anyways, I was looking at various college fairs coming up for the seniors and my eyes popped out when I read about the Second Life college fair that was to be held at International School Island...in the virtual world of Second Life!
When I first learned of Second Life last year I thought it was just an evolution of the popular PC game, The Sims. Although, businesses and now schools are not utilizing the virtual world environment that Second Life offers to market and promote their goals. I even know a Japanese guy who is a graphic designer and likes to design swords online as a hobby. So, he rents out a small ground-level shop in the virtual world of Second Life. I found it fascinating as I was in his virtual shop walking around and watching people actually buy his swords! This stuff is real! My cousin's online college course even holds their classes in Second Life! Time to get educated about Second Life, it is integrating into society before our eyes.