What does “Second Life” Bring to Arts and Society?

“Second life” obliterates all the restrictions that exist in the real world. This program makes it possible to create a desired planet, it lets “dreams come true”, it grants humans the ability to have the appearance that they want, and it allows people to find soul mates. “Second Life” also erases age, gender and language differences, and allows humans to interact virtually with everyone they want and to get a new, valuable experience. In addition to that, it gives a person a great opportunity to make new friends that can understand him or her better and show more support than the real people surrounding this individual.
“Second Live” also impacts culture significantly. It gives people many new opportunities to express themselves and make their works available to others. Second Life also offers tools that allow people to create new forms of art that cannot be done in the real world because of its high costs or unavailable materials. Thereby, 3-D virtual space attracts writers, designers, musicians, artists, and virtual builders from across the virtual and real worlds. A lot of exhibitions, theaters, and virtual dance that exist in “Second Live” give a chance to every resident to get involved in art and obtain new knowledge and values.

The Japanese

All the people that are around me in this photo are from Japan. I was talking to these guys for a while and learned a little about their mentality and habits. As I do not know Japanese, I was using the translator. If anyone wants to learn a foreign language, he or she has a great opportunity to practice it in “Second Life”.

Works of art

In “Second Life” there are many works of art that everyone can contemplate. A lot of them are remarkable and impressive. At the same time not everyone can get them. I was surprised when I touched these pictures and a “buy it now” button with the cost appeared. I still do not understand why some people spend their real money on things that cannot be brought into the real world.

Ohio University

It is very interesting that many universities build their campuses in “Second Life” and use them for distance education. In this picture I am sitting in the classroom meeting center of Ohio University. This area reminds me strongly of real world schools. Unfortunately, I did not see anyone there and could not estimate the environment that reigns in this educational institution in this “3-D” World.

Meditation

I used to practice meditation in real life. I could not even imagine that by walking around and exploring new places I could find a cushion for meditation in “Second Life”. As soon as I sat on the cushion, my avatar took the required pose for contemplation. It was impressive.

City of Rio

Wood & Wildlife Park, City of Rio is a magnificent place where everyone can listen to different sounds of nature, see various animals, and feel closer to the natural world. I was taking a walk enjoying birds’ songs, sounds of rain and thunder, and got pleasure listening to the wash of the ocean. In my opinion, people can go there in order to relax and divert away from their everyday problems.

Help People Island

As soon as I created my avatar in SL, it was so hard to manage myself there. I did not even know how to sit or grab things. “Help People Island” is a perfect place to learn how to take control over your avatar. It offers a lot of posters that in detail explain how to fly, chat, and do many other things. There are a lot of friendly people there that are ready to illuminate everyone about “Second Life”. Thus, after I took a trip across this Island, I began to feel more comfortable in the virtual world.

Amsterdam

     I decided to look at the only foreign city I have ever been to, Amsterdam.  The buildings are very close to the real ones.  Here I am flying in front of the Rijksmuseum and inside there were some of the same paintings I saw while I was there.  I was also able to visit the Dam Square where there was Madam Tassauds wax museum, the National Monument, and even a coffee shop. 

Better or Worse?

Meeting via Second Life became an interesting experience for all us girls. Neither of us had ventured into Second Life prior to this assignment and we all agreed that it was much more exciting then Black Board Vista. Besides the amazing graphics in Second Life, we felt that communicating using an avatar grabbed our interest to complete the objectives of the assignment. Which in turn made the work easier and fun.

Drinks anyone?

Here at the Old Mermaid Inn Bar you can enjoy a tasty beverage with a fantastic view of the water. Just dont get run over by the fish cart that charges at you whenever you stand or walk in the isle!

Food!

Yummy! In Second Life you can get the sweetest treats around. Here at Prims 4 U, you can buy pies, cakes, different types of teas, ect. Being here is making me hungry!

Italy

I love shopping and this dress is super cute! I have always wanted to go to Italy and shop. Vanilla Dream is a store at the Italian Shopping Mall.

Any one want to play Solitaire? I would but I have not money! Planet Zyngo is like a casino but without the gambling. The people here are very friendly and want me to join their groups!

Info Island

I'm at Info Island. This place has amazing colorful art all around. This is one of my fav's because I did gymnastics for 20 years and it reminds me of handstands on the balance beam!

Morocco

Sisters in Arms are in Morocco. As we ventured through this vitural world we found a random empty chair in the middle of the room. All of us jumped onto of it, sat in it and then walked up the little staircase next to it.

World Vs. Real World

In Second Life you can simply teleport to any location desired. By going into the destination guide you can enter in Morocco for example and a list of different enviroments that have to do with Morocco will appear. Second Life is much better for traveling because you can teleport and in the real world traveling consist of having the funds along with transportation such as trains and planes. The Second Life Society is faster for traveling than the real world.

Learning in Second Life

     Second Life can be a great tool for teachers and students.  There are many educational worlds for students to go to and learn about science, art, and anything else.   An instructor can assign a certain place for students to go and get information about what they are studying.  This allows the students to have a hands-on experience learning and this can help them learn better and retain the information.

Colosseum

     On EdTech Island they built a replica of the Colosseum.  There is no information anywhere about it but it is still nice to look at and fly around in.

Sistine Chapel

 

     I decided to visit the Sistine Chapel at Vassar College's Second Life site.  It is a beautiful replica of what I assume the actual Sistine Chapel looks like since I have never been there.

Apollo 11 Landing Site

         Who doesn’t want to be able to go to the moon?  But this moon isn’t round, it’s flat, and if you walk off the edge you will fall to the ground.  Here’s a link if you want to go.  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Elon/131/230/501

My First Experience on Second Life

       After I created my avatar and played with the look, I went to NOAA’s Virtual Island http://slurl.com/secondlife/NMC.  There I was able to take a ride on a weather balloon, experience a tsunami, take a submarine ride with whales and dolphins, and see the effects of melting glaciers.  I tried to take a ride in a hurricane but I don't think my graphics card is good enough for Second Life and I was not able to see the hurricane.  No one else was there so I could not chat with anyone.  But it is fun to fly around, and it is the fastest way to get around in Second Life.  Here are some pictures of the tsunami; I don't know how I was able to stand there.