Creating Second Life Tutorials
Objective
Students in Computer Applications 2 will create a tutorial on the basics of building in Second Life using Jing.
NCSCOS
Demonstrate the interpersonal, teamwork, and leadership skills needed to function in diverse business and information technology settings.
Develop an awareness of career opportunities and lifelong learning skills that enable students to become employable in a variety of business and information technology careers.
Select and use appropriate technologies to prepare for the workplace.
Select and use technological tools for class assignments, projects, and presentations.
Adhere to Fair Use and Multimedia Copyright Guidelines, citing sources of copyrighted materials in papers, projects, and multimedia presentations.

NC Computer Skills Standard Course of Study
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/curriculum/computerskills/scos/18grades9-12

CTE Standard Course of Study
http://www.ncpublicschools.org/docs/cte/scos.pdf

Jing
http://www.jingproject.com/

Second Life
http://www.secondlife.com

assignment
Students already know the basics of Second Life.
Students will create a tutorial using Jing (video and audio) on the basics of building in Second Life.
The next slide shows my example of a basic one. 
The students should go above and beyond what the example shows. 
Students will post their tutorial URL (from Screencast.com) on the class wiki for others to view and comment on. 

example
http://tinyurl.com/SLbuildexample
sources
reflection
This project allowed for some creative freedom for students. By allowing them to explore the concepts of building for themselves after giving them only my brief tutorial, it allows them to "push buttons" until they find what they want. I have always found that by allowing students to explore on their own, they value what they learn more. 

There are some clear obstacles that could present themselves in this project. Being the only teacher in the room, you would have to rely on them helping each other and the more advanced students helping the less advanced students. The teacher wouldn't be able to help every single student at one time. 

My original goal for this project was to download the actual video, but conversion factors played a part in this and made it a bit more difficult, so I instead switched over to use the screencast.com URL. 

The other issue with using Second Life in the K-12 classroom is adult grid vs the teen grid. A simple fix for this would be to use Reaction Grid instead. Or, allow them into a secure area of the adult or teen grid, depending on their age. The teacher wouldn't be allowed in the teen grid, but could model building on the adult grid via a projector/SMART Board. If you have a class of some 18 year olds and some under 18, it is a downside to not have them all on the same land to interact. 

I think it's great for students to teach each other and by creating tutorials, they are showing a high level of mastery. If a student is able to teach someone else, then I believe they have mastered it. 

Tha addition of audio and video enhances this lesson. By the teacher using it, the directions are clearer to the student. Having the student using it, allows for a deeper understanding of the material. 
Ann Gregson
Math Teacher
Northwest Cabarrus High School
Cabarrus County Schools