Second Life is an exciting 3-D internet-based virtual world that has been embraced by over 300 colleges and universities since being publicly launched in 2003 by Linden Research. Second Life’s virtual world is made up of islands where participants, called "avatars," can interact, collaborate, learn, and network in real time or just hang out to chat, have fun, or even watch a movie. And, oh yeah, avatars can fly.
Second Life’s world is created by its participants who are only bound by their imaginations. While it can be strictly for fun, Second Life also offers a new medium for distance education, panel discussions, and connecting those separated by distance. The Indiana University Alumni Association has two islands in Second Life where alumni can come together in a whole new way.
To get started exploring the virtual world of Second Life, you’ll need to make sure your computer is compatible with the program’s requirements:
Then, download Second Life
Second Life will then walk you through creating an avatar — your online representation of yourself — and everything else you need to get started in the virtual world.
You can visit IUAA’s two islands by typing Indiana Univ in Second Life’s search box or teleport to specific locations in Second Life. There are many more places to experience. Come and visit!
If you do need help, you can use that same search box, Second Life’s support or help features, or go straight to Help Island. A Google search of "Second Life" will reveal many more tutorials, or you can check out the book Second Life for Dummies.
Welcome to a new (virtual) world!