Learning experience two (2):
At the start of the session I took the first step in experiencing a multi-user virtual environment and joined Second Life (SL). Initially I was sceptical of the practical use of this web 2.0 tool as I found the interface hard to use as it differed to the windows layout I’m more familiar with. The orientation I experienced was very basic.
After overcoming initial frustrations I immersed myself into SL and explored further, discovering a rich user-centred experience offering interaction with other avatars, virtual environments, travel, searching functions, customization of your own avatar and more. Numerous features made these functions more realistic. Voice over internet protocol (VOIP) extended the social and communication experience, blurring the line between SL and reality. VOIP however does require a headset to eliminate static and background noise from transmission, creating a barrier for those who don’t poses such hardware. Alternately a chat function is available to communicate with avatars publicly and privately.
The search function allows the searching of people, places, events, groups, wikis and land sales. In exploring SL I discovered many professional library organisationsl including the ALA, State library of Kansas and the University of Texas. The search function whilst useful did require considerable navigation and needed to be expanded for detailed information.
The SL wiki (2009) explains how providing a virtual world experience requires a highly graphic intensive platform. This may be a potential problem for some users as intensive graphics uses a considerable amount of bandwidth to communicate with the SL server and requires a compatible PC and connection, impacting on equal access to SL.
During the session I participated in two (2) SL learning experiences both providing further insight into the virtual environment of SL. The learning experience bought together students from many geographical locations to participate in a central learning experience. During the session the VOIP offered instruction and stimulated conversation within the group through a combination of chat, IM chat and VOIP. Unavoidable VOIP problems plagued both sessions with instruction needing to be repeated causing confusion, distraction and time delay. The use of slides helped to follow the session and provided insight into the future of e-learning in SL.
For libraries SL offers many possibilities including:
- Re-engaging 'at-risk' teenagers back into education and training by providing an interactive learning experience
- Hosting a conversation partners program to assist community members improve their english
- Book group discussions with members from isolated communities
- A virtual e-book library
- Potential to excite library staff about web 2.0 intergation through team building exercises in SL.
- Conferencing or training with staff spread out over a regional area
Avatar Kmcphe08 in SL at the CSU-SIS learning centre preparing for a virtual learning experience. 
Class group gathered in a virtual world location.
References:
Lag- Second Life Wiki (2009). Retrieved December 14, 2010 from http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Lag
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