Week 3- Webinars

I watched the following SirsiDynix archived webinar:
Teen Second Life: Library Services in a 3D world
Hosted by: Kelly Czarnecki
Date: May 22, 2007

This webinar addressed the question: What is "second life"? Kelly talked about the different types of popular online virtual realities and communities of social software of the time such as Gaia, Runescape, Teen Second Life, and The Sims.
She addressed the different attraction features such as the ability to create your own avatar, the ability to IM, to use gestures....etc. Some of the positives she discussed addressed was that this kind of software application allowed a very open space for teens to explore even though the structure may look or feel game-like. Another attraction is that the avatars may be linked to Myspace or other teen-frequented sites. Second Life gives teens an outlet to create& share and helps build developmental needs through hands on activity.

Watch Here for an example video made by the host on YouTube.

This webinar was very informative because I was unaware of the term "Second Life" given to these virtual reality software. I know that these programs are still very popular with teens in the library and have expanded even further since this '07 webinar. These online meetings tools are not only a great way to connect and learn about current library issues, but also offer a great place to refer back to archived materials if you are wanting to learn more about a subject with which you may be unfamiliar. I believe that Webinars and Online Meeting sites will only continue to progress and expand in the next ten years!