However, surprisingly, distance educators have not caught onto the trend. Web 2.0 applications offer users an experience beyond the typical University experience. Second Life offers the ability to add the social element and interaction that is often missing from the distance education experience. If traditional universities and public entities see the opportunity to use Second Life for education, and to disseminate public information, then this would seem like the next logical step in improving distance education programs. Students could attend a virtual classroom that is like a brick and mortar classroom in many ways. One of the key difficulties in implementing online education in an online world is that students may not have access or the skills necessary to function in an online world. Second Life requires the most advanced graphics cards and systems to run. It will not run on older systems or those that do not meet the minimum requirements. Traditional brick and mortar universities can provide students with the ability to access Second Life through university libraries and computer labs. However, for the most part, distance education students must purchase and maintain their own equipment. They may not always have access to the minimum system requirements.

Another caveat of using Second Life as a tool for distance education is that users many not be tech-savvy enough to use it. However, Second Life has an excellent orientation program called "Orientation Island" where users become familiar with the operation of their avatars in Second Life. In answer to...

This platform provides the opportunity to have a realistic classroom experience, while enjoying the benefits of an online educational environment. Second Life began as a multi-user gaming platform, but has developed into much more. Second Life provides a virtual opportunity to solve real life problems. Online educators need to consider adding Second Life environments to their educational curriculum if they truly wish to prepare students for the future.
References

Hoover, Aaron. (2007). At UF, distance learning moves off the planet. February 7, 2007. University of Florida News. Retrieved December 20, 2008.

Simteach.com (2008a). Second Life Universities and Private Islands. Retrieved December 19, 2008 at http://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life:_Universities_and_Private_Islands

Simteach.com (2008b). Second Life Universities and Private Islands. Retrieved December 19, 2008 at http://simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life:_Universities_and_Private_Islands