Immersion and Engagement

in a Virtual Classroom:
Using Second Life for
Higher Education

ELI 2007 Spring Focus Session

March 27, 2007
Sarah “Intellagirl” Robbins
PhD Candidate Rhetoric and
Writing
Ball State University, Muncie IN
Multi
User
Virtual
Environment
 Friends
List
MiniMap
Chat

Inventory

Motion 
Instant  Controls

Messaging
Media Building Tools Camera 
Chat Window Controls Controls
The World
The Economy
L$ = Real Money
$1 = approx. 266 L$
Business
 Avatars
Rhetorical choices in action
Infinitely Adjustable Avatars
 Higher Ed in SL
Ball State University
Bradley University
California State University
Central Missouri State University
Columbia University
Elon University
Fullerton College
Harvard University
Idaho State University
Illinois State University
Indiana University
Mayville State University
Minneapolis College of Art and
Design Newcastle University
Newcastle
Northern Illinois University
Ohio University
Ohio State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Pepperdine University
San Diego State University
San Francisco State University
Seton Hall University
Stanford University
Temple University
Texas State University
Trinity University
University of California Berkeley
University of Cincinnati
University of Connecticut
University of Florida
University of Massachusetts
University of Missouri - Kansas City
University of Nevada, Reno
University of Southern California
University of Sydney
University of Washington
Vassar College
BSU’s Presence in SL
History of ENG104 in SL
•Funded by The Center for 
Media Design at Ball State
•18 Students (300 applied)
Recreating Reality
Traditional Spaces
Nontraditional Learning Spaces
Creating Versatile Spaces
Integrating Media
Mass Media in New Forms
New Work Spaces
What Subjects are 
Suitable to 
Second Life?
Art
 Biology

UK National Physics Lab – Color Blindness
Business
Architecture
Chemistry
 Communication

CMC
Verbal and NonVerbal
Small Group
Interpersonal
 Education

GlobalKids.org
English
Apparel 
Design
Geography: 
Climatology, 
Tourism
 History

Roma
Journalism
 Modern
Languages
 Music

Streaming live music
Physics
Political Science
 Psychology
UC Davis Schizophrenia Simulator
Sociology
Telecommunications
Streaming Radio, Podcasts
 Theatre

New Globe Theatre
 Benefits
Collaboration
Creativity
Authenticity
Community
Engagement
 Sarah Robbins
intellagirl@gmail.com
www.intellagirl.com
www.secondlife.intellagirl.com