The group had their first meeting in Second Life to familiarize themselves with the virtual world interface and communication tools. They explored different areas, learned how to navigate and interact with objects, and found that maintaining visibility with each other in 3D space could be challenging. The meeting concluded with a discussion on how physical location may become less important and anonymity more common as virtual interactions increase, allowing people in different areas to connect.

1. First Steps for a
Second Life
Group 2's First Meeting
Derek Jefferson
Ashley D'Imperio
Carl Fink (Recorder)

2. Derek gives an impromptu
lecture in an ESC classroom

3. Eileen needs to give us the
keys to this!
At this point, we were all
spending a lot of our effort
figuring out the Second Life
interface—how to move without
bumping things, how to climb
onto something, how to sit down
and stand up, etc.

4. A study group forms near
the beach
This was a great chance to familiarize ourselves with the communications systems in SL—except
for poor Carl, who couldn't get voice to work right.

5. Taking a break to enjoy the
scenery
Things were starting to feel a bit more natural here. We were able to walk over and sit down in an
almost smooth way.

6. Vacation snap at a local
monument
Learning how to interact with “smart” objects in Second Life.

7. Relaxing in the Tahitian house

8. Finally, a quiet place with no
interruptions
The instructions said to find a quiet place to chat. Up here worked. We also learned that it's easy
to lose someone when moving in 3 dimensions—if you get above or below his line of sight, he
may not be able to find you easily.

9. What can we look forward to?
Physical location will be less and less important.
Anonymity will be more common in social settings, as real names
and faces are replaced by nyms and avatars/gravatars.
Being able to interact with peers, even though we all live in
different areas
Though we had some trouble getting sound working for the whole
group, we were able to make things work
Technology will change the way we teach children in schools, as
the world is becoming more and more technological. As the
outside world changes, education will change as well.