The CBA Debuts “Beach World” on Second Life

“Beach World” is a virtual region (island) in Second Life produced by the College of Business Administration. Second Life is a free, virtual 3-D world created by its users or “residents” as they are referred to in Second Life terminology. “Beach World” acts as a virtual campus that facilitates learning and other academic activities. Instructors conduct class meetings as well as facilitate student presentations, guest speakers and group discussions in “Beach World’s” virtual classrooms. The virtual “Beach Store on 2nd Street” is a great place to buy virtual CSULB apparel for your Second Life avatar as well as link directly to the CSULB website to purchase Beach attire. The virtual Walter Pyramid, a library and an espresso loft are a few of the other attractions in the region. “Beach World” is also a place to meet up and enjoy a virtual latte, play a game of virtual beach volleyball and engage with other students in social activities.

As the project grows, we can expect “Beach World” to be used increasingly as a distance learning tool and also as a creative outlet for students who wish to build virtual objects in the region. There are ongoing plans to create a fully functional virtual library for reservation of books and other media. The creators of “Beach World” believe the possibilities for academic research and creative activities are limitless! Visit “Beach World” by going to Second Life at www.secondlife.com.