It's early for a summer break, but a trip to Angel Learning Isle is a working vacation. Anyway, it's not real. On May 16, the new island will make its debut in Second Life, the interactive virtual world. Built to foster collaboration in the higher-education community, the site — a joint effort of the software developer Angel Learning and the Second Life Educators community (SLED) — is a place for educators new to virtuality to figure out how things are done. Teaming up to tear down a campus and redesign it is one possible use.
Newbies can stop by the "SLED Orientation Garden" and learn basic navigation and camera controls. Then stroll down the "boardwalk" and reach out to press a button that creates a classroom. Grab a tool from the "Educators Gallery" and design seating areas, lectures, and group projects. –Josh Fischman
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.