A Virtual Presentation to a Virtual Class

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Today I had the pleasure of speaking to Kim Gregson’s Ithaca College class on audience research. We met up in Second Life, which saved me a trip upstate! There was quite an impressive turnout for a 9 AM class (about 20 students) and I was surprised how quickly everyone was able to get in and get situated.

It was by far the easiest meeting I’ve participated in lately. There were very few interruptions, the students asked thoughtful questions in a pretty orderly way and whenever a student’s avatar went to sleep (i.e went “away”), the student was quick to show he or she was listening by activating it again.

After my overview of Text 100, I talked about businesses in Second Life. We discussed how some businesses are choosing to replicate their real world products/buildings while others are trying to imagine their businesses in new ways.  I took a couple of questions from students ranging from griefing to permission marketing. The whole thing lasted about half an hour, which I think is a good amount of time for a presentation where the audience is mostly just sitting and listening.

I tried to ask questions throughout to make it more interactive and took a picture at the end. These types of sessions are important on many levels. As an educational tool, I have to give huge kudos to Kim for getting her class involved and forcing them to create avatars and interact. The more time one spends actually participating in Second Life, the easier it gets.

I’m continually fascinated by the different ways that universities and other educational institutions are experimenting with Second Life. Thanks to Kim for inviting me!