Second Life

Introduction

Second Life, was launched in 2003 by Linden Labs in the United States. Since then it has grown to become the virtual world leader with a profitable, stable, and growing business. Eighteen million people have registered in Second Life from over 150 countries and this virtual world work solution has already been chosen by hundreds of enterprises, governments, and non profit institutions. In fact, over 700 learning organisations from around the world have integrated virtual learning into their curricula.

Second Life amplifies learning beyond capabilities afforded by teleconference calls and web presentation tools - but it also creates opportunities for field trips inside virtual organs, machines and other environments that go far beyond the walls of traditional learning spaces. Training simulations are also incredibly powerful in Second Life because they simulate complex processes in the physical world and avatars can take on different roles to enhance learning. Second Life is the most flexible, richest and advanced virtual world that exists today.

Second life Workshop Demo from Institute of Quarrying on Vimeo.

The Institute of Quarrying and Second Life

The IQ have developed a 'Virtual Quarry' in Second Life. The Quarry contains a wealth of features based on health, safety and environmental issues. Risk assessment and hazard identification can be undertaken without having to enter a pysically dangerous environment. The tailored exercises will be used initially during tutorial weekends to test student knowledge and understanding. Second Life's persistent virtual environments enable students to work together synchronously and then return, individually or as a team.

Please view the short video which shows various elements of a quarry workshop, all contained within the virtual quarry.