Hello

[Stacy O'Bleness]

I'm doing a project on Second Life and I am looking for information on how educators use the program in the classroom. Could anyone give me examples or information about how you use it in the classroom? This class is elementary based but I don't think this program can be used at the elementary level. If anyone could give me any information it would be much appreciated!!! Thanks guys! :)
Stacy

[Trevor Meister]

While Second Life and the Teen grid part of it might be technically out of reach for an elementary classroom, the Open source Opensimulator project would not. It is essentially the same type of platform, using the same viewer applications as Second Life, but a freely available open source server side application. There are several hosting options available, (a popular provider in the education space is Reactiongrid. http://reactiongrid.com for more information.) Several of the folks on the Second Classroom ning have regions being hosted on Reactiongrid's service including myself, and I am sure you could drop in for a visit, or explore for a while to see how it could be used at the elementary level.

Trevor

[Lucy Barrow]

My understanding is that Teen Second Life is only open to students from 13 years of age to 17. From 18 they can use the main Second Life grid.
We looked carefully into this option for a project at our school and have been very impressed with the amazing work of other schools. The links below may be of some assistance to you.
Due to cost, age and accounts restrictions and a number of other issues, we have followed Trevor's advice as outlined in his reply and have just set up two sims that use OpenSim. One is a public space on ReactionGrid, the other will be a private space that is like our own intranet, but in virtual world form. We found that the service that ReactionGrid provides is excellent and we are very much looking forward to being in partnership with them for our project.
For more information about excellent virtual worlds projects, you may find these helpful:
http://www.happysteve.com/
http://tomorrowisland.wikispaces.com/
http://ramapoislands.edublogs.org/
All the best!

[Dean Groom]

You need to look at something other than Second Life Stacy. Teen Grid is 13-18 - I suggest you look at Quest Atlantis for that age range, if you don't have resources/program to teach yet. Alternatively you might look at a game - as at that age they are really going to be interested in avatars and social activities ... have you asked them what they use now? (out of school that is). And welcome.

[Stacy O'Bleness]

Unfortunately I didn't pick Second Life. My teacher picked this program for us to research and it just so happens to be an Elementary based class, but I am going to make due!
Thank you for all the helpful links and information! They are really going to help my research! If I need anything else, I will be sure to ask!