Overall, I think the YouTube video on the Ohio University Second Life Campus pretty much summed up what Second Life is all about and the various things you can do while on the Second Life Campus. Just from viewing the video, the Second Life Campus looks like a Sims game, with various characters walking around campus and interacting with other characters. Thus, it can make Second Life appear to be more of a fun game than just an interactive site which may or may not disappoint people. But I generally do like the concept of Second Life because it allows students to meet (online) other students at Ohio University, so it may help some of the shyer folks to get out there and interact with other fellow students. And, judging by the comments section, the makers of Second Life seem to also accurately portray the school's campus, which also might be useful in getting new students to get almost a virtual tour of their new surroundings.
One particular aspect of Second Life that I liked is the Art and Music Center which boasts music, film and art not only from well-known famous faces, but also Ohio University students. I think this can be a great way to encourage students to show off other skills and interests besides their academic ones. Of course, as with any internet program, there can be several cons to Second Life, as I saw listed on Wikipedia. Some people who still may get overwhelmed just by going online probably will not benefit from a Second Life experience as the video explanation of all there is to do might easily freak-out a less-than-savvy computer person. However, it seems most likely that hard-core, Ohio University students may totally love the idea and would do anything to further show their school pride. I think any way that schools try to incorporate the internet into student's academic lives can only be positive for both the student and the school.
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25 points extra credit! That was a good idea to read up on Second Life on Wikipedia too :)
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