October 8
Week 6: Intro to Second Life

Second Life will serve as one possible platform for eGame projects this semester. Everyone in the class, though, will become familiar with this amazing virtual world. We will have the able assistance in-world of Peggy Ward and Cathy Areguin, two survivors of last year's version of this course.

Second Life has many virtues. It's free, cross-platform, graphic-rich, multiplayer, and open to expansion by scripting, and actively being developed. I have high hopes for it.

You'll definitely want to download the Beginner's Guide. Those of a geekier bent may also wish to explore the Beginner's Guide to Scripting in the Second Life environment.

We'll spend some time learning to dress ourselves, walk, talk, run and fly. It's like starting all over!

• W (or up arrow key) = Move forward
• S (or down arrow key) = Move backward
• A (or left arrow key) = Turn left
• D (or right arrow key) Turn right
• E = Jump or Up when flying
• C = Crouch or Down when flying
• F = Fly (toggles on and off)
• Ctrl-L = Fly (toggles on and off)

For this week, spend more time outside of class exploring Second Life. Post one blog entry on EdGames describing some interesting place you visited or person you interacted with. Extra points if you include a snapshot of your journey.