What is Second Life and how can it be used for building community and providing advising and student support for distance education students? Penn State World Campus has developed a virtual “island” where distance education students can access resources and create a community with other students. Higher education relies on students making a connection with the university and Second Life has the potential to foster such connections for distance education students.

1. Second Life as a Virtual Setting for Academic Advising DUS Conference October 29, 2009 Richard Brungard Advising Program Coordinator Penn State World Campus [email_address] Second Life Avatar: JRichard Ragu

10. Avatar Appearance Several members of the Penn State World Campus Advising Team

13. Penn State World Campus Island

14. Lion Shrine

15. Advising Center

16. Community Room

17. Library Services

18. Courtyard

19. Berkey Creamery

20. Career Services Center

21. JAVA Patio

22. Amphitheatre

23. Orientation Area

24. Old Main

25. Hetzel Union Building (HUB)

26. Psychology Club

27. World Campus Beach