Immersion and Engagement in a Virtual Classroom: Using Second Life for Higher Education ELI 2007 Spring Focus Session March 27, 2007 Sarah “Intellagirl” Robbins PhD Candidate Rhetoric and Writing Ball State University, Muncie IN

M ulti U ser V irtual E nvironment

Chat Instant Messaging Inventory Friends List MiniMap Motion Controls Camera Controls Building Tools Chat Window Media Controls

The World

The Economy L$ = Real Money $1 = approx. 266 L$

L$ = Real Money

$1 = approx. 266 L$

Business

Avatars Rhetorical choices in action

Infinitely Adjustable Avatars

Higher Ed in SL Ball State University Bradley University California State University Central Missouri State University Columbia University Elon University Fullerton College Harvard University Idaho State University Illinois State University Indiana University Mayville State University Minneapolis College of Art and Design Newcastle University Newcastle Northern Illinois University Ohio University Ohio State University Oregon State University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University San Diego State University San Francisco State University Seton Hall University Stanford University Temple University Texas State University Trinity University University of California Berkeley University of Cincinnati University of Connecticut University of Florida University of Massachusetts University of Missouri - Kansas City University of Nevada, Reno University of Southern California University of Sydney University of Washington Vassar College

BSU ’s Presence in SL

History of ENG104 in SL Funded by The Center for Media Design at Ball State 18 Students (300 applied )

Funded by The Center for

Media Design at Ball State

18 Students (300 applied )

Recreating Reality

Traditional Spaces

Nontraditional Learning Spaces

Creating Versatile Spaces

Integrating Media

Mass Media in New Forms

New Work Spaces

What Subjects are Suitable to Second Life?

Art

Biology UK National Physics Lab – Color Blindness

UK National Physics Lab – Color Blindness

Business

Architecture

Chemistry

Communication CMC Verbal and NonVerbal Small Group Interpersonal

CMC

Verbal and NonVerbal

Small Group

Interpersonal

Education GlobalKids.org

GlobalKids.org

English

Apparel Design

Geography: Climatology, Tourism

History Roma

Roma

Journalism

Modern Languages

Music Streaming live music

Streaming live music

Physics

Political Science

Psychology UC Davis Schizophrenia Simulator

UC Davis Schizophrenia Simulator

Sociology

Telecommunications Streaming Radio, Podcasts

Theatre New Globe Theatre

New Globe Theatre

Benefits Collaboration Creativity Authenticity Community Engagement

Sarah Robbins [email_address] www.intellagirl.com www.secondlife.intellagirl.com