Second Life

Washington State University joins virtual world with the creation of online 3D campus

PULLMAN--Washington State University has extended their presence to a global audience with Second Life. The Second Life network allows professors to use interactive technology to conduct distance based lectures.

The new campus was designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education (CDPE). The virtual WSU campus takes up two regions, establishing a larger virtual presence than most universities. The virtual project contains many recognizable features from the Pullman campus, including Bryan Hall Clock Tower, the CUB building and Glen Terrell Mall.

Brett D. Atwood, an assistant professor at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, plans to launch the 3D campus in both journalism and PR courses as soon as fall 2009. Jitesh H. Panchal, an assistant professor with The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, will also use Second Life to supplement his lectures in the fall. Atwood says they will be able to understand more about Second Life’s value next year after it effects are seen in the classroom.

“Thousands of far off students are getting their diploma through our distance degree program. Creating our campus in Second Life was just another way of opening up access to Washington State University,” said CDPE assistant dean Dr. David Cillay in a press conference released Sunday June 7, 2009.

Second Life is unique because it has collaborative, simulated space, and a community environment that is not possible in other distance learning programs, said Atwood.

Second Life members can create a character or “avatar” that they are able to navigate around the virtual world or campus. To attend a class, distance learning students navigate their avatar into a virtual classroom on camps to attend a lecture. Videos, lectures, Voice over Internet Protocol, and power points help stimulate the 3D lecture environment.

Atwood commented that things from the virtual world can be built with the same detail as the real world, therefore it is easier for one to decide and create how they want to be perceived. "Members may even unknowingly project themselves more truthfully in the virtual world," he added.

The possibilities existing in an online world such as Second Life are endless. Second Life contributes to the growing number of activities that can now be accomplished in the virtual world, thus breaking down communication barriers and connecting people all over the world.

The new WSU Island campus can be accesses by Second Life users by clicking on the following link: http://slurl.com/secondlife/WSU%20II/53/89/58