Challenging Week

This week has been rough. I have a huge project for work due by Tuesday night, I was only given notice about it on Wednesday, so I've been working all weekend on that. This is usually my homework time. Since THAT project is my bread and butter it has priority. Plus I have a really bad cold - which really STINKS. My time is cut in two because I have to stop and blow my nose, sneeze, cough lungs out or just stare mindlessly at the computer screen because I'm in a Tylenol Sinus induced stupor.

I'm still struggling with 2nd Life. I really don't like it all. It seems really rather clunky to me. I had my kids play with it too, thinking they're probably quicker at picking up the gaming features than I am. They did have a little more success but they didn't like it either. I sat by them while they did it (because not all the people in Second Life play nice) and they seemed to struggle with the same basic functionality I did. My conclusion is pretty much the same. I think we're a ways off using this program as a true virtual classroom. That being said I do think there is something to be offered in terms of giving people some sort of visual identity in the classroom. An icon of sorts that travels with them wherever they are working with in the class.

Another HUGE flaw with Second Life is the installation eats up a huge amount of hard drive space. That would be a real drawback of students, especially if they were only using it in one class.

Interestingly, many, many colleges and universities have sites on 2nd Life as well as a number of course management companies. The project that I'm working on for my first life (ha) is in the Angel Platform - they too have 2nd Life site.

Well I'm on vacation next week and I'm hoping to get the bulk of my project done then (Whoopee!). If you're reading my post - I hope you have a great holiday! Enjoy your Thanksgiving!
signing off - Jill