WHAT: Second Life, the fast-growing online phenomenon in which users from across the “Real Life or RL” (in other words, the ‘real world’) interact, play and conduct commerce using alternative personas, or avatars, is having an impact on higher education. At last count, over 120 American colleges and universities have established a presence in this virtual, parallel world, using Second Life to teach classes or conduct research.
For example, a new media course in the digital communications program at NYU’s Paul McGhee Division, the University’s specialized undergraduate experience for adult students, used Second Life to explore concepts of digital animation this past fall.
This panel discussion brings together education researchers, students and professors to discuss how and why Second Life can be an effective tool for virtual higher education.
- WHO: Professor Chuck Kinzer, program coordinator in the Communication, Computing and Technology in Education (CCTE) at Teachers College, Columbia University; Michael Olson, resident researcher and adjunct professor, Interactive Telecommunications Program at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts; Selen Turkay, doctoral student, Teachers College, Columbia University; Isaac Greenbaum and Michael Giancaspro, students in the Digital Communications program, Paul McGhee division, NYU School of Continuing and Professional Students; and Mechthild Schmidt; master teacher, Digital Communications program, Paul McGhee Division, NYU-SCPS.
- WHEN: Monday, April 16, 2007, 6:00-8:00 pm
- WHERE: Conference Room, 4th Floor, NYU’s Woolworth Building location, 15 Barclay Street [Between Broadway and Church Street, in downtown Manhattan]
This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP’s are required. Please call 212 992-7277 to reserve a seat.
MEDIA ONLY: The press is invited to cover this event. Please contact Carmen Tong at Carmen.Tong@nyu.edu or 212 992-9103.