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Q4 2011 Average User age 10 - 15 Kzero

This site's purpose is to "promote an active dialogue concerning aging, the elderly, seniors, health care, policy issues, caregivers, decision makers, educators, and getting older." When you arrive at Gerontology Education Island, you can take a quick tour in a virtual wheel chair. There are also "holodeck" rooms (shades of Star Trek) where you can experience being a health care practitioner working with the aging. This simulation focuses on a different subject matter and demographic than one would generally expect in Second Life, and it demonstrates how adaptable and useful the educational tools of Second Life can be.

Profiles of 5 Second Life users with rich life experiences that contribute to the community in Second Life: Holocaust survivor, Grandson of slaves, Broadway singer, Obama's tech chief, etc. Highlights interesting demographics (age, accomplishment)

Quest Atlantis (QA) is an international learning and teaching project that uses a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks. QA combines strategies used in the commercial gaming environment with lessons from educational research on learning and motivation. Participation in this game is designed to enhance the lives of children while helping them grow into knowledgeable, responsible, and empathetic adults. Does this interest you? They offer extensive educator training and support. Really an exemplary project. HIGHLY recommended.

Continuing my theme of visiting virtual versions of Bay Area museums, I really enjoyed the virtual Exploratorium. In flatland, the Exploratorium is famous for their hands-on displays. It is very kid-friendly, and is a fun place to visit for all ages. I was interested to see how they would transfer this hands-on approach to learning into Second Life. I was not disappointed. The exhibits are very original and very interactive, and I had a lot of fun exploring. I will definitely be returning to the virtual Exploratorium. A previous Diigo post talks about the virtual Exploratorium, so I found this great video that shows off a number of the exhibits. Hopefully it will inspire you to visit it yourself!

Eric Hackathorn, better known in Second Life and virtual world circles as the person behind the impressive Second Life incarnation of NOAA -- the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, has just unveiled his newest effort: The US Department of Energy in Second Life. The educational and experiential potential of this build is exciting and mind-expanding. From a trip through a super collider to life as a sub-atomic particle. Eric suggests, "Try smashing into each other as sub-atomic particles, take a tour of a super collider."

Great site for kids who want to explore the world and its geography virtually. Kids get to "meet" people from the past and enrich their knowledge of the world around them. For kids ages 7 to 14.

Kids can chat and play in an environment that is moderated by adults. Aimed towards children ages 6 to 14. Educational as well as entertaining. Designed to be a child's introduction to the internet and virtual worlds.

At a young age, children believe the earth is flat. The simulation allows students to discover the shape of the earth and its implications. For instance, students can see how movement and the relativity of up and down works on the earths surface.

Dizzywood was developed by the entertainment company Rocket Paper Scissors. It is considered a virtual game, but there are many learning experiences built in. Dizzywood is participating in an elementary school program with the Reed Union School District in Marin County. "The highly interactive workshop uses virtual activities to reinforce the school's character pillars, which include caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. Students also learn about important issues relating to virtual worlds, such as digital citizenship and online safety, as well as complete storytelling and team-building exercises that emphasize creativity, writing and reading skills, and working together to achieve goals." In addition, they have partnered with the YMCA to create a virtual learning program promoting cooperative skills.

This SLURL drops you right in front of the Sistene Chapel. When you enter there is a reference card to your right that explains how to view the art. It is amazing. You can fly up to the ceiling and actually touch the artwork by Michaelangelo. I would love to take my 7th grade students here or a similar site when we study the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The tapestries by Rapael come to life when you touch them.

I will definitely check this one out. I wow my students with Google Earth's street view and 3D buildings to show them the world. My student population see very little outside of their community, so it comes in handy. I am always looking for news ways to have them "see" the world. Thanks for the links. Now I will continue to pester my IS dept. to loosen up a little and let us have access.

Cynthia, we found the Sistine chapel too ... my group just loved this stunning location. I did not try touching the tapestries! I think we'll go back and check that out. Thanks for mentioning this feature we did not explore!