Using Second Liffe

I have been checking other virtual worlds and still love Second Life. Sure the interface is a challenge, moving around, and all of that ..however for the most part if you transfer what you know about moving around the web, video games, and use of other software much of what you do in second life will be intuitive.

I have been in Metaplace, Hobba and World of Warcraft. I had a 10 day free trial to World of Warcraft...I actually like World of Warcraft and truly if I had more time in my life I would spend more of it in there. Reality is though there is so much stuff going on in my life I don' t have time for another life there!

New virtual worlds will start up, eventually these worlds will fold into others and create larger worlds...we are on the precipice of a revolution in the use of virtual worlds...as those who give the use of virtual words a voice and a vision have credibility we will see the use increase.


The virtual world company that will be at the forefront? The one that recognizes that they have the potential to make the world flat, that this is a 24/7 worlds, and that users rock this world all the time..downtime and maintenance issues will occur..how can those fixes be put into place to respect the needs of all users?

I still envision a world that meets the needs of all users. Provides for global meetings .... music...and respect for all ...

Science math and education in second life

I have been bad about blogging! But a lot of time lately has been spent on touring and learning more about the application of Second LIfe in math and science. These are difficult areas for me to wrap my mind around because academically these are not strong areas for me. Given that I do believe that these are areas that hold a great deal of potential for Second Life as a learning environment.

I was just reading a post in Boing Boing http://www.boingboing.net/2008/05/13/scientific-research.html about the application of Second Life in sciences. Particularly physics and neurology ...interesting.

Second LIfe has also offered the opportunity for recreating ecosystems and the resulting consequences of activities on earth which can damage the ecosystem. This lab application of Second Life is delivered at a fraction of the cost to develop in world versus real world.

The math applications are definitely in world. One can create art using fractals and building things in world. IN building of course one can apply math through the use of measurements, etc.

Of course there are computer and software application in world as well.

Finally there is the art and opportunities to learn about other cultures. As I was traveling in world the other day looking at the showcase I realized there were several new Japanese and Asian sims I toured some of these and here again it is evident how much a student can learn abou these cultures in world.

The times they are "achanging.." http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/05/18/death.online/index.html?iref=t2test_techmon

live music in second life

MrMultiwriter continues to be a favorite..yes he is wonderful. Plays favorite Beatles, James Taylor, and others but his originals whether vocals or instrumental are inspiring! I really like his original work ! Amazing and when he does his own stuff his vocals are at the top! Amazing.

Niles Compton is an awesome country talent..you will see great things from this awesome singer..why haven't we heard more about him? Ala Chris LaDue he has it all! Wow if you aren't hearing more about this guy in the months and years ahead then I am not sure about this world! I am not a huge country fan.. but he is one of those I could listen to all day. And yes folks you should join second life, if nothing else just to listen to talent like Niles..and he has a link right on his website....http://www.ballyhoosl.com/Niles/

Another artist who should be known worldwide and has the talent and drive to be successful is AMFORTE. Check out her website here: amforte.com ..she is doing a great job in SL which isn't alway easy. It really great for me to be able to blog about an awesome female talent..haven't seen that enough. Check her out, she's a little punk, a little rock but all talent! Just amazing with her originals and covers...

Finally my favorite new artist is Casey Burke/Brumer he is just amazing! Look for his shows, he's on his way with originals and covers. Gals he will steal your heart! For more on Casey:

CD available that you can check out on itunes (Casey Burke 3 Birds) and at http://cdbaby.com/cd/caseybu

myspace (will be updating page soon): http://www.myspace.com/caseyjamesburke

Last night in SL

Shannon Oherlily is amazing ..what a great artist ala Joan Baez/Judy Collins she has a great future inside and outside SL. Shannon overcomes time and distance to bring personal touch to her presentation. Her music really makes my evening go better! Her personal delivery.."these songs tell the story of my life.." let's you know that she sings her songs from the heart..which is also telling in the tenor of her voice. Wonderful!

Nad Gough is another singer who really can bring the personal touch to his music. In many ways he is an "all around" entertainer; he has a great comedic style as well. His music is very well mixed..in some instances you get the sense that there is a full orchestra backing him. I enjoyed it very much..so check him out.


Most of the artistis I write about have videos from SL in YouTube. Just found Nad and plan on listening to him for the rest of the afternoon.

Second Life does provide anyone ---->students? an opporutnity to present their talents for a minimal investment.

Sl and creativity

The creative environment that SL provides is nothing to knew to those of you who may be reading this post.  But this is an ideal environment for students to learn in..it makes the definite switch from an environment in which students passively have something done to them..now they can create their learning experience.  This means they can create art, create art, create a performance type are experience, and experiment.  

The beauty of experimenting in SL is the fact that, for the most part, resources are unlimited, however the learning curve is a bit steep to get there.  But reality is..in my opinion..today's young student has a deep skill set, far beyond what I have that they bring to SL.

I think in order to foster this opportunity to create a rich immersive environment the student should have as few limitations or restrictions placed on him/her in sl.  Of course this type of opportunity only is provided in certain discipline areas, and may not work well in all areas.  When designing a course in sl the course designer must evaluate whether or not he/she is designing activities that are tied to the learning outcomes of the course.    For those who may immersed in SL sometimes it is difficult to remove your personal feelings for the virtual world learning environment and separate it from what is right for the particular course. 

May Day

In various places around the world May Day celebrations are going on. I don't know very much about this event but it reminds me of how Second Life opens the doors for the exchange of thoughts ideas and humor with people from all over the world.

So far on my travels through SL I have met people from Venezuala, Russia, Italy, Spain, and the UK. I can't tell you how exciting it is to have this opportunity. Many of these people have the same dreams that I have which is to connect with others, who, like them have a vision and passion for making the world a better place through the use of technology.

Through this social media exchange we can see how "the worlds is not only flat" but how, on this one to one level we are just people. The women I meet love to shop, have families they are concerned about, and are dedicated educators. Many of them have seized an opportunity to build a business in SL which is something they would not have been able to do in their country.

Regarless of their reasons for being in SL our paths cross at live music venues, education meetings, discussions, and other events. It is interesting as well to see some of the amazing things people are doing in SL. I saw some of the best avatar animations from a man from Russia..they were awesome. He passed the information on to me and I can't wait to see how it's done.

This potential in SL is seen by many who live there, but it has yet to be tapped into. There are many things happening in our world today that will only serve to move moreof us in world to experience this relationship building....I hope Linden Labs and SL are prepared.