Second Life is an MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online Game). An MMO is a type of game that provides virtual worlds in which potentially millions of people can interact online. You can sign up for a free account and begin interacting with real people (or at least their avatars) in fascinating virtual worlds. Having spent a significant amount of time playing World of Warcraft, I am a little underwhelmed by the lackluster graphics and controlling my avatar doesn't seem "natural." Other than these minor setbacks, I am able to see some benefit to using this game in the classroom.
Through selecting destinations, you can travel to various places. Many of these places are fictional, however, there is a "folder" of destinations labeled "real." These locations are replicas of real life places such as Battery Park, the Acropolis, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Having students explore these places on their own adds another dimension to any discussion on these topics.
The Second Life community has devoted much effort to education in general. On the Second Life Wiki, an entire section is devoted to education. Second Life novices who would like to utilize this online tool in their classes should start there, familiarizing themselves with available education resources.
Groups of students can meet in an aforementioned location or in a designated classroom to discuss relevant classroom topics synchronously. This will allow students to interact in a chatroom setting in which many who do not participate openly irl (in real life) may be more inclined to chime in.
The whole point to "gamifying" education is to "meet students where they are"--to engage them on a level they prefer. Although Second Life is not going to be the ideal method for all students, many will be excited by the prospect of playing a game while learning. Initially, I am intrigued by the potential of this program. I think it has potential to be a pretty good tool.
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