Teen Second Life (TSL)Teen Second Life (TSL)

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

What is TSL?What is TSL?

TSL is a virtual online world. TSL is a virtual online world. Each student creates an “avatar” to Each student creates an “avatar” to

represent them inside this world.represent them inside this world. TSL is a closed product, unlike the TSL is a closed product, unlike the

adult version. Only 13-17 year olds, adult version. Only 13-17 year olds, or their educators may have access.or their educators may have access.

How is this being used in the How is this being used in the classroom?classroom?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iuhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iubz5bIcoYIbz5bIcoYI

Example of how this technology is Example of how this technology is being used currently by Regina being used currently by Regina Public Schools.Public Schools.

Security ConcernsSecurity Concerns

Off-Grid system. Inaccessible by Off-Grid system. Inaccessible by people outside the user group. people outside the user group. “Islands” created.“Islands” created.

All adults involved MUST provide a All adults involved MUST provide a criminal record check.criminal record check.

Open to students between ages 13-Open to students between ages 13-17 only.17 only.

Benefits to Using TSLBenefits to Using TSL

Allows students to explore in virtual Allows students to explore in virtual setting, experiential.setting, experiential.

Requires students to respond to Requires students to respond to assignment in a tangible way. They assignment in a tangible way. They “build” something.“build” something.

Accommodates a variety of learning Accommodates a variety of learning styles.styles.

Appeals to students on their level. Appeals to students on their level. Seems less like school work.Seems less like school work.

ConnectionsConnections

Students have the ability to connect Students have the ability to connect with information sources from around with information sources from around the globe. (Clarence Fisher)the globe. (Clarence Fisher)

““Studio” classroom effect in TSL. Studio” classroom effect in TSL. Students encouraged to construct Students encouraged to construct meaning and express learning. meaning and express learning. (Clarence Fisher)(Clarence Fisher)

Concerns:Concerns: A Virtual World takes up more time than A Virtual World takes up more time than

real world already for some kids.real world already for some kids.

-Are we encouraging this by using -Are we encouraging this by using TSL?TSL?

There were 4 users in the Gr. 8 culture project There were 4 users in the Gr. 8 culture project that banked over 30 hours of time online. that banked over 30 hours of time online. The highest was 53. (6 week time frame)The highest was 53. (6 week time frame)

Average of 15 hours spent on the project per Average of 15 hours spent on the project per student.student.

Questions or other concerns?Questions or other concerns?