If you wish to use this task as one of your three (3) OLJ tasks for Assignment 3, you will need to write a short evaluation (no more than 400 words) of your use of Second Life as a 3D virtual world throughout this session. Include a critical evaluation of the effectiveness of different features/functions and learning experiences encountered, as well as a brief statement on the different ways an information organisation may be able to utilise Second Life to support information services, learning and/or collaboration of users and/or employees.
Use of Second Life:
This is the second time I have used Second life (SL), having previously been a student in INF520. This gave me the advantage of already having an avatar set up, and knowledge of the basics of navigating, teleporting and presenting PowerPoint presentations to my classmates. Having this experience and seeing the potential of SL as an educational tool, made me keen to explore it further in this subject. This time I have been able to gain further confidence in the basics that I previously learned as well as having the confidence to join tours and independently explore SL.
Evaluation of different features and functions:
SL is a complex environment to learn and navigate (Helmer, 2007, p. 8). It took a few hours of practice, plus instructional sessions before I was comfortable and proficient with moving, communicating and teleporting. It is something that you need to keep using otherwise you risk forgetting what to do. As SL needs a lot of memory, there were a few technical hitches. I had difficulties with hearing and sound, but didn’t have to resort to using Skype in conjunction with SL to communicate as I did previously. Classmates have had issues relating to the instability of the environment. This issue caused some to not pursue SL and experience the ‘digital divide’ (Grassian, 2007).
Learning experiences encountered:
In addition to my first learning experiences of being in a virtual classroom, giving a presentation and interacting with my virtual classmates, I have now experienced virtual tours to art galleries and historic lands. Both experiences have been immersive, stimulating emotional response. Presenting evoked a little nervousness, but the tours were stimulating, interesting, encouraged exploration and had a relaxed ambience. Helmer (2007) identifies five learning types in SL – demonstration, experiential, diagnostic, role play and constructive. Having only experienced the first two in my learning, it shows what further potential there is.
Ways and information organisations may be able to utilise Second Life:
SL has a place in many information organisations, but at the academic level it is a great tool for creating a classroom experience for remote students and promoting interaction and networking. At the public library level it has potential as a virtual book club or speaker presentation space – which could benefit remote or housebound users. Professionally, it is already a place where librarians can attend virtual conferences and network with colleagues, eliminating the travel and cost barriers. Helmer (2007) points out its training potential particularly for dangerous situations and Grassian (2007) discusses virtual libraries on Info Island and the Alliance Library System.
References:
Dede, C. (2009). Immersive interfaces for engagement and learning. Science, 323 January, pp. 66 -69.
Grassian, E. & Trueman, R. (2007). Stumbling, bumbling, teleporting and flying....librarian avatars in Second Life. Reference Services Review. 35 (1) pp.84-89.
Helmer, J & Learning Light. (2007). Second Life and virtual worlds. Retrieved from: http://www.norfolkelearningforum.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/virtual-worlds_ll_oct_2007.pdf
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