1. Teen Second Life (TSL)

2. Most people have heard of Second Life. The images that most people conjure up regarding this online game often have negative connotations. Most people have heard of Second Life. The images that most people conjure up regarding this online game often have negative connotations.

3. What is TSL? TSL is a virtual online world. TSL is a virtual online world. Each student creates an “avatar” to represent them inside this world. Each student creates an “avatar” to represent them inside this world. TSL is a closed product, unlike the adult version. Only 13-17 year olds, or their educators may have access. TSL is a closed product, unlike the adult version. Only 13-17 year olds, or their educators may have access.

4. How is this being used in the classroom? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iubz5b IcoYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iubz5b IcoYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iubz5b IcoYI http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iubz5b IcoYI Example of how this technology is being used currently by Regina Public Schools.

5. Security Concerns Off-Grid system. Inaccessible by people outside the user group. “Islands” created. Off-Grid system. Inaccessible by people outside the user group. “Islands” created. All adults involved MUST provide a criminal record check. All adults involved MUST provide a criminal record check. Open to students between ages 13-17 only. Open to students between ages 13-17 only.

6. Benefits to Using TSL Allows students to explore in virtual setting, experiential. Allows students to explore in virtual setting, experiential. Requires students to respond to assignment in a tangible way. They “build” something. Requires students to respond to assignment in a tangible way. They “build” something. Accommodates a variety of learning styles. Accommodates a variety of learning styles. Appeals to students on their level. Seems less like school work. Appeals to students on their level. Seems less like school work.

7. Connections Students have the ability to connect with information sources from around the globe. (Clarence Fisher) Students have the ability to connect with information sources from around the globe. (Clarence Fisher) “Studio” classroom effect in TSL. Students encouraged to construct meaning and express learning. (Clarence Fisher) “Studio” classroom effect in TSL. Students encouraged to construct meaning and express learning. (Clarence Fisher)

8. Concerns: A Virtual World takes up more time than real world already for some kids. A Virtual World takes up more time than real world already for some kids. -Are we encouraging this by using TSL? There were 4 users in the Gr. 8 culture project that banked over 30 hours of time online. The highest was 53. (6 week time frame) Average of 15 hours spent on the project per student. Questions or other concerns? Questions or other concerns?