Q: What is Second Life?
A: Second Life (SL) is an online Massively Multi-player Online (MMO) Virtual World, also known as a Metaverse as its often referred to, where everything is user created and owned. Everything inside of Second Life is made in real time and there is a virtual economy in which its currency can be legally traded for US dollars.
Q: Is Second Life a game?
A: Yes and No. SL is typically defined by the user's personal experience with it. For some, SL is a game. But for others its a platform while for a few it's a business or second job. Otherwise, if you sat it side by side with a popular Massively Multi-player Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) there are significant differences in both graphics and software mechanics.
Q: What does this have to do with Rutgers?
A: The Division of Continuous Education & Outreach (DCEO), as well as many other educators around the world, see Second Life as a potential educational tool. Because of this we wish to explore this possibility with our students and staff to see how much more we can improve their Rutgers experience.
Q: Is this going to be some boring virtual recreation of a Rutgers classroom?
A: We hope not! We're going to various lengths to make the Rutgers Second Life experience enjoyable and original. While everything regarding the learning experience is reliant on the instructor's comfort level with the technology, we're striving to provide more then just virtual desks and chalk boards. If you feel there's something that we can add or change to improve your experience on our SL estate please feel free to email the Second Life administrator.
Q: This sounds really cool! Where do I sign up?
A: Both new and returning sign ups can be done by going to the New Users Registration page. Students or Staff who already have SL accounts can sign up at the Returning Users page. Just be sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements set forth by Linden Labs.
Q: I signed up for a SL account. Where do I go for Rutgers events or classes?
A: For DCEO events simply use Search and look up Rutgers DCEO or simply click here. Keep in mind some events need to be registered for so please check the Events section for details. As for classes, your instructor should give you the Slurl address to send you to the appropriate area for your class.
Q: I can't seem to access the Student Only areas. How do I get in?
A: If you haven't registered with our student/staff SL database please fill out the form on the Returning Users page and register your SL name with us. You'll receive a group invite shortly. Also, you must NOT leave the group or you will not be able to enter certain areas of the DCEO estate. If you have accidentally left the group please email secondlife@dceo.rutgers.edu with a re-invite request.
Q: Second Life runs horribly slow! How do I fix it?
A: Please keep in mind this isn't like your typical MMORPG as there are technical differences that give most MMORPGs a performance advantage over SL. With that in mind be absolutely sure that you meet the Recommended System Requirements listed by Linden Labs for the client software. If you do meet the requirements then please refer to the Knowledge Base of the Secondlife.com's support page for client support.
Q: Someone just attacked me what should I do?
A: Please follow the Abuse Guidelines located in the Second Life website's support portal. If this a student or faculty and it occurred on the DCEO estate please copy and paste your abuse report to secondlife@dceo.rutgers.edu. Please keep in mind any abuse that occurs outside the DCEO estate sims is out of our administrators' jurisdiction and can only be handled by Linden Lab employees.
New to Second Life?
Please visit our FAQ section.
Need to Download Second Life?
Visit the Second Life Support website and download the latest version.
Event Registration
Register in DCEO's first annual competition: Innovations In Learning.
(Must be a Rutgers faculty/staff/student and has a registered account)
