Developing a cadre of close friends as a freshman can often mean the difference between a so-so college experience and a great one. With that in mind, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology is turning to the virtual world, Second Life, to help freshmen choose dormitories with the ambiance and reputation that best meet their needs.
At the end of July, part of MIT's island in Second Life will feature a rough replication of the interior of campus residence halls: the artsy dorm, the jock house, the dorm for Unix geeks, and a slew of others. MIT officials are counting on students to flesh out the details of their dormitories in Second Life. The university sponsored a competition for students to design the shells of the virtual dormitories. Forty-seven students participated in the project and the winning team received $500. –Andrea L. Foster
Developing online and blended learning programs requires research and collaboration. Learn how top technology companies are partnering with campuses across the country to advance online learning as it becomes an increasingly important aspect of higher education.