This week i really realised that I am behind in the computing world!
There are many websites that apparently are common knowledge that I had never heard of.
I found second life particularly interesting. I decided to do some more research on it and I realised that when I was hearing the term “island” in the tutorial, it didn’t mean a tropical oasis.

I am amazed that what seems like a sims game can...

I decided to become a member. It is a bit confusing at the moment but I am sure I will get the hang of it.
The other thing that was quite interesting last week was talking about morals and ethics that are involved in computing. Are you a thief if you steal someone’s money in a virtual world such as second life or is it ok because it is just a game? I think stealing is stealing no matter where it is done. It may just be a game for some but to others second life is a place to work, be educated, make real relationships and expand your horizons. Multi-millions dollar corporations can hold business conferences in second life as a way of communication effectively internationally. I am sure a bit of harmless stealing for fun would not be taken light heartedly to these people. I think just because it’s not a physical world and not so long ago none of this existed doesn’t mean it’s not real. Technology has allowed computing to open opportunities to people all over the world who would otherwise be limited. People who live in remote locations, people who live in countries where law makes living difficult/restricted because of their gender or religion etc now can express them selves, educate themselves; experience a life that is new, exciting and better than what they know. They can live vicariously through the people they meet from different walks of life that they would otherwise never meet in real life.
Overall last week really made me think about how this website that I had never heard of can be a life changer to some people but there are many questions that can be asked about morals and ethics related to a virtual world like this. Do you really know who you are talking to? Does it even matter?
I will be thinking about these questions as undertake my own discoveries in Second Life.

Link to second life website, information page!

actually be quite serious and is often used as a tool for education. “Second Life provides a virtual home for some of the world’s most prestigious universities and academic institutions. Virtual classrooms at MIT allow for online collaboration, while Notre Dame makes use of Second Life as a cost effective solution to distance learning”.