I have been exploring Second Life for the last 4 months, it seems much longer than that. During this time I have built up a network of friends and colleagues, attended many wonderful presentations, began volunteering at the DEN and hanging out at the Blogger’s cafe. But now it is time to take it up a notch. I need to become more involved and really experiment with how Second Life can be used as a venue for providing professional development in a variety of educational topics. To do this Lighthouse Learning Island was created. The technology directors of the school districts in southeastern MA, meet regularly to provide themselves professional development and share ideas and resources. From this group 4 districts have decided to take the plunge and experiment with SL and collaborative professional development. Nauset Public Schools with Kathy Schrock as lead, Barnstable Public Schools who I represent, Plymouth Public Schools and Dennis-Yarmouth Regional School District. Kathy has done the hard work; raised an island, erected buildings, created a lighthouse, and some awesome presentation areas. We are all learning about permissions and getting things to work. Though we have some long term goals, I need to focus on the immediate future.

The building is almost ready. I plan on adding a few things, a bulletin board, a poster for ‘The Sim of the week”. I think once the building is in use… things will change as the need arises.

I have not done any landscaping on my district’s plot. I would like to add some trees and benches, but I will wait till I can do it with my tech director, she needs to learn to do this sort of things as well.

My next step is to bring teachers into Second Life. I am organizing information and create an avatar sessions to be done in September and October. I need to help them feel comfortable in world, there is a bit of culture shock after all. I plan on offering SL basic classes in world.

Then on to professional development. I think it will begin with focused discussions on a variety of topics. Working with ELL students, a chat with our reading specialist, and topics that are the current focus of the district. We also have a number of Professional Learning Communities… they could share what they are doing with others. I have been in contact with possible discussion leaders and though they are a bit skeptical they are willing to venture in SL.

Then we will see what happens.

I am keeping a notebook and will periodically make updates here. Kathy has created a blog to document island activities.

Looking forward to the adventure… see you in Second Life.

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