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State Curriculum Content Standards and Virtual Worlds New Jersey becomes the first state to incorporate virtual worlds (and the ability to use them) into their "Core Curriculum Content" state standards…. Via New Jersey State Dept. of Ed. web site at http://www.nj.gov/education/aps/cccs/2009/tech/index.html Particularly "….. collaborate adeptly in virtual environments and incorporate global perspectives into problem solving at home, school and in structured learning experiences with the growing realization that people in the 21st century are interconnected economically, socially and environmentally and have a shared future."

Potential legal issues dealing with "land" ownership in SL. Not sure what this means for the future, but as the article states, vitrual world are basically lawless. It compares the legality of virtual world to the 16th century. The only problem with this comparison, is that in the 1500s people were being murdered for only being suspected of wrongdoing (or in the case of Muslims and Jews, "wrongbeing"). SL does seem like an anything goes type of place... I wonder how this pending legislation will affect SL. I'm not sure a federal, state or local government has any rights over a virtual space. have to wait to see the results of this legislation.

link to a very cool map of World Heritage Sites created in the virtual world of Second Life. The map is viewable in Google Maps and includes SLurls to teleport to each of the locations. The information was gathered by New Mexico State University Professory Pete Eidenbach and imported into Google Maps. If you combine this with Virtual Flags and Anthems of the World and our list of 35 Virtual Countries in Second Life then you receive quite a world history or geography lesson.

EDTECH Island Two Years Later: Training Teachers in Virtual Worlds Lisa Dawley of Boise State Implications for design of space, activities and social support to serve learners in virtual worlds

San Diego State University's Aztlan Island in Second Life even calendar. Please respect other class meetings!

This is a faithful reproduction of the Spanish-built presidio in Santa Barbara from 1786, created by a grad student named Shelly Long from Cal State Northridge. The buildings are beautifully done, but the rooms are mostly empty. It is worth the trip to see the chapel. It's interior is very detailed including intricate artwork, wooden furniture, and lighted candles. You can even kneel at a prayer bench and recite the Lord's prayer! I picked up a free set of archaelogist's tools. Young students might enjoy this exposure to a piece of early California history, following up with internet research into the lives of the people who lived here, including their lifestyle and sustenance.

I agree with Robert this is a great way for students to be exposed to a piece of California history. I'm wondering if there are more presidios or missions just like this? I enjoyed the aesthetics of this simulations too. It is very well done with lots of interesting details, such as the burning fireplace. The local radio music however, was a tad annoying. I'd like to have seen a few interactive opportunities included, such as creating notecards that outline "what you've learned".