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With the message of Earth Day freshly in my mind, I decided to investigate Etopia. I found this location to be informative and fun. Compared to other landmarks, this island is relatively small which allows the visitor to experience everything it has to offer in under an hour. I could see this site being useful for an educator attempting to spread the "green" message. With all the island had to offer, it would be a great tool for any level learner. Some interesting things that I experienced in my time on Etopia include: farmers market (free food), e-train and gondola rides across and above the island provide a quick overview of the island, wind turbine farm that you can tour, water recycling plant, opportunity to build a sail boat and see the island from the water, a drum circle in the middle of a forest (reminded me of a Grateful Dead concert scene), a green house growing flowers, fruit and vegetables, several compost bins, and a co-housing community built w/ eco-friendly materials to name a few. If you are interested in the environment or are looking to get students interested, Etopia would be a good location to experience a wide variety of "green" topics.

Interesting website detailing some wonderful successes of Second Life. This resources shows that virtual worlds truly offer multiple ways to approach learning environments. The site provides many case studies detailing how organizations and individuals have harnessed SL to reach more people and conduct more effective "in-world" learning. Some of the successes have been found in a variety of types of institutions - both business and education - with fantastic results. Enjoy!

This is an excellent site that would be great for educators or business people who want to improve their virtual skills, expand their virtual contacts, or hold meetings. This site was created and is maintained by a university in the UK. I found a place for educators to make appointments to get help for improving their skills in the virtual world, many educational tools such as interactive slide shows and art exhibits, and a group I could join that connected me with other like-minded educators. The site was easy to navigate, well-designed, and loaded with content. Even though I spent nearly two hours here, I felt as though I barely scratched the surface. The only thing that I still find a bit odd is that I do not know why the title is Sexual Health SIM. I did not find anything related to health care. But again, there is so much more that I did not search.

This is an excellent place to shop for musical 'anything.' This place is a dream to for a musician.... It's amazing how authentic and real everything looks. Sure, it costs some Lindens but it's worth it. Features a live host and a variety of instruments and equipment (amps, guitars, pianos, etc.) I purchased a few items here for our group's campsite. Even if you don't want to purchase anything there, it's fun to look around and change the 'view' function to get a good glimpse at something that interests you. As an educator and a musician, I see a benefit here for building and designing 3-D environments.

Overview of Science through Second Life - a Motorola grant funded science curriculum implemented in a 9th grade Brooklyn science class, Spring 2008. (Full disclosure - Co-designed by Cathy) A practical example of using a virtual world to supplement and support standards based high school science. Note the environments NPIRL (not possible in real life).

Given that Congress has the lowest approval rating of any branch and that most sessions are broadcast on CSPAN (zzzzz....), I'm not sure what good a Second Life for Congress will accomplish, however if teachers want to have students in a government class explore. At the sim-hearing that took place, Congress people posed questions about the dangers of the second life community (e.g. safety for children, etc.). This was back in 2008, but doesn't Congress already have enough on it's hands than to worry about hte dangers of second life?

This SLURL has potential for any U.S. or World History classroom if teachers want to show students what trench warfare might have been like. Students can see a simulation of a trench with rats crawling around, mustard gas being deployed, explosions, rain, etc. Users can click on various sound boxes and video links to learn poetry of soldiers and historians who have researched trench warfare. You can also transport to a camp where you can change clothing to a soldier or a nurse--and it's free! Very educational and highly recommended for history teachers.

This is a virtual representation of red square. It includes realistic architecture and information. Interestingly, all of the content is available in English or Russian

This location takes a famous concept from geology of using a spiral timeline to illustrate the history of the Earth. As you walk through the interactive exhibit you get a sense of the passage of time as well as the slow and gradual evolution of life on Earth. I really like the idea of walking through a timeline and interacting with exhibits and can see how this would work with a class. There are many opportunities for discussion and demonstrations along the way. I also think this type of collaborative site would make a really great class project. Constructed by students at the University of Arizona.

This is a wonderful place to be. There are people there that will help you or just offer some conversation. I went INTO a space ship and sat on the Lunar module. I read so much information and was able to see things animated, but my level of understanding of space could not keep up with all the choices. I enjoyed being here, but I think I'll stick to my history and/or literature content so I can fully appreciate what a place like this has to offer. What a wonderful place to spend an afternoon!

Doh! You scooped me. I spent two hours there last night and had a great time. I picked up a free t-shirt as well that I am currently sporting. I agree, this is a fun and creative learning environment. I rode the space shuttle, took an automated tour, had my photo taken on the zero G bed, and picked up a bunch of freebies. I liked the theme park feel, but got a bit lonely as I was the only soul there.

Great minds . . .

This has some simple information for people who are getting started using virtual worlds in the educational setting. There is a list of places to visit in Second Life that are related to education.

Expanding on the Air Force's MyBase effort in Second Life, all new Air Force recruits will have avatars used for distance training. Details workplace applications useful in the general workplace as well as military. Good example of how today's learners will function in tomorrow's workplace.

This is a great looking area found in Second Life that teaches visitors about the different periods in music history. Each music era is housed in a building representative of the time period. They also hold online interviews with various artists/scholars in Second Life via vodcasts. Although there is a teleport link on the site I couldn't get to the academy. The site says that you can IM the director once you have an avatar and hopefully he can provide access.

The Internet-based Free-Ed.Net whose slogan is"Free Education for All" has taken to Second Life as a medium. This site is a virtual campus that feels much like a community college, with each building representing a certain discipline (humanities, nursing, math, science, IT, etc.) Features an advanced Teleport system that allows you to browse different courses and locations within campus. Allows you to access different courses online by choosing links to them in the various locations. There are lots of information kiosks and support mechanisms throughout, including the site owner, making it easy to navigate. Handy for expanding one's knowledge in various areas of interest at one's own pace.

Live music performances from Classical to Heavy Metal! A great venue for people to attend concerts that they may not be able to get to in the real world! One education site had their students watch a live performance and write a critique. Visit this site to see the concert schedule: http://musicisland.ning.com/

Not a place in SecondLife but an educator's blog about her experiences in Second life.

Again, I was alone here, but I found a helpful old-fashioned British phone box with information, including a calendar of events that take place here. I also noticed that genealogy publishers, such as Heritage Books, have a presence here, so that might make it easier for folks to find specific resources to buy or look for at their local libraries.

Their calendar is tied into Google Calendar, so if you want, you can add an event to your own Google Calendar(s) and get reminders. Nice feature.

Diane, have you checked out the Mormon island? I did, and you can access old censuses (sp?) and stuff. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adam%20ondi%20Ahman/183/51/25

The magic of storytelling is captured in this compelling short film about an hiv positive character dealing with hiv aids known as "Uncle D." Accompany the Reluctant Quester and his trusty sidekick Cice the therapy dog as they embark on a life changing journey. http://www.tvwsp.com Youtube overview of the "Uncle D" storyquest ... great 3D narrative example

This is a virtual art exhibit.