Alia Alsulaim

Module 7
10-30
Informal reflection
What Ever Happened to Second Life? is the title of the article wrote by
Menachem Wecker and published on April 2014. The writer highlights the reasons of
why Second Life has lost its followers? He mentions many examples for universities like
the University of North Carolina, University of Delaware and Indian University bought
and built many constructions and built on thousands of dollars on Second Life. However,
after years the buildings are gone like there are never existences.
Then the article indicates OpenSim as an open source environment as a
replacement for Second Life that scholars turned to it. Many features that OpenSim
provides for educators comparing with Second Life are better. OpenSim provides more
freedom and more attractive.
The other reason Second Life has lost its followers that Second Life in 2010
discontinued the discount for the educational institute. The new CEO ensures the discount
for education purpose is back; in addition, making set-up fee is free.
Finally, the site medium of size makes some problem with technology. There are
55,000 users in the same time use Second Life. Being in the same place with this huge
number and contact with some of them, make the game less attractive.
In my point of view, I dont like playing Second Life. I think it is un-safety place
with many strange people talking and chatting. However, using it in education is a
wealthy experience for both teachers and students. The best part is when universities
design a simulation classroom in 3D to display and share knowledge and ideas.