Second Life News & Events & Guides

“An environment such as this takes advantage of lateral and community-based learning,” said Jeannie Novak, Academic Program Director, Game Art & Design/Media Arts & Animation at The Art Institute Online. “We are always striving to create that within our current 2D online courses and this certainly takes lateral learning to the next level.” 

“We are very excited to be a part of something so revolutionary,” said Kate Kelleher, VP of The Art Institute Online. “Our venture into Second life linden is a wonderful complement to our creative online education and is sure to provide our students with an innovative and quality learning experience.”

Instructors say the Second life linden class experience is particularly enhanced for online learners. In Second Life, classmates and instructors don’t just communicate in chat rooms; they can actually see one another — or, at least, digital alter egos — on screen.

“Students will always know they're taking a course,” said Novak. “But they'll be playing a game in the process, which is what serious gaming is all about.”

The Art Institute Online joins other colleges and universities that have set up campuses on virtual islands, where classes meet and students interact in real time. “I believe The Art Institute Online is truly revolutionizing online learning by developing this innovative course,” said Novak.