Create A Second Life

Web 2.0 has many different forms of communication, interaction, and information sharing. In most of the applications and tools, you simply create a profile complete with user name and avatar picture. As Web 2.0 continues to evolve, the way in which we search the web and interact with each other is changing. With a profile on a social networking site you’re a still you. Well Second Life has taken that a step further by actually letting you create a second you.

Second Life is not only a Web 2.0 application; it is also a virtual world accessible through the internet. To partake in the virtual worldly fun, you sign up for an account, create a controllable avatar, and become a resident of Second Life for free. You are able to make your avatar look just like you, or make it a visual representation of whatever you want to be. As a residents you can explore to find many objects, create objects, meet other residents and socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade virtual property and services. The Second Life world is three dimensional and pretty big, so learn how to control your avatar by walking, running, or even flying. Purchase virtual clothes and other objects as well. You can even go on a virtual date.

Second Life also serves an educational or business purpose. Some educational institutions use second life as a means of holding distance education discussions or classes. Some educational institutions have even created a play ground or a virtual representation of the actually school that students can go to find important information while they are in the Second Life world. This tool brings a new element to distance education and can be a great tool to use for virtual team projects.

Second Life is said to be the beginning of Web 3.0 and where we are headed as far as surfing the web and social networking. The World Wide Web actually becomes a world where we can go to. This world even has its own currency (Linden Dollar). I would suggest giving birth to the virtual you and find out what it’s all about. It’s not every day you get a Second Life….Or maybe you do.