A Snapshot of SL Educators

In May 2008, the New Media Consortium (NMC) asked individuals on the Second Life Educators (SLED) discussion list to complete a survey about their experiences in the virtual world Second Life (SL). In 2007, 207 educators completed the survey; in 2008, the number increased to 358 - 64% of these respondents are affiliated with the NMC. The highlights from the 2008 survey are as follows:

1. Educators are no longer merely exploring SL; instead, they are using this virtual world for teaching and learning purposes.
2. The contact lists of these educators is growing.
3. The 2008 respondents are more experienced in SL. Interestingly, a large proportion of the educators in SL are between the age of 36 and 55; few play console video games or engage in massively multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs). These individuals are watching less television as well.
   
4. Educators want to learn how to create in SL - scripting, machinima, building things, etc.
5. The majority of educators do not create an avatar that resembles their physical self.
6. More than half of the respondents have more than one avatar.
7. Positive experiences reported by the educators included meeting people and interactions with others.
8. Griefers continue to be a problem in SL.
9. Top activities these educators reported doing in SL include random wandering, attending events, and meeting new people, just to name a few.

Additional details about the educational activities in SL can be found in the 2008, as well as the 2007 reports.