How is Second Life being used for training?

Training is one of the best uses of Second Life and other virtual worlds!

• Rapid prototyping - easily create and test models of real-life products
• Collaborative design
• Data visualization
• Role-playing - simulated person-to-person interaction and sales training
• Physical simulations - emergency preparedness training and weather simulations  
• Reduce travel expenses 

Why did ASTD create an island in Second Life?
For several reasons! Here they are:

• ... to ensure ASTD members have the best possible first-time experience with 3D virtual worlds. The Second Life registration and orientation through our custom portal (at http://secondlife.astd.org ) was designed specifcally for ASTD members.
• ... to give ASTD members confidence in speaking about virtual worlds. There's quite a buzz about Second Life and other virtual worlds - the best way to learn about it is to try it out!
• ... to give the ASTD community a place to meet up. There are areas for large and small groups, as well as "virtual equipment" for presentations. Want to hold a virtual meeting? Use the ASTD Island!
• ... to engage the community of Second Life Experts to share their knowledge of how virtual worlds offer the potential for richer communication than 2D tools such as email, instant messaging, and blogs.
• ... to establish a presence. Virtual environments and relationships will almost certainly be part of learning in the future!

Is the ASTD Island open to use by ASTD Members?
Absolutely! ASTD members, especially those that are considering in investing in "real estate" in Second Life, should consider hosting events, meet-ups, and meetings on ASTD Island. Here are some guidelines.

• You MUST submit a formal request at least TWO WEEKS in advance of your event. Please send requests to secondlife@astd.org, and include the date, time, purpose and audience of your event.
• Your event cannot be right after or before another event on ASTD Island.
• A representative from your organization MUST attend and contribute to AT LEAST THREE weekly meetups.
• You must be a member of the official ASTD Group in Second Life.

How can I get involved on ASTD Island?
The easiest way is to join us for one of the weekly meet-ups. If you can never make one (they're Wednesdays at 3pm EST) then send an email to secondlife@astd.org an we can work something out!

Technical Troubleshooting

How do I get back into Second Life?
I got my avatar through http://secondlife.astd.org, but now I can't get back in!

• Use the Second Life Program that's installed on your computer. When you registered, the Second Life program was installed. If you are on a PC, go to Start, then All Programs, then Second Life. Start the program. You'll then come to the Welcome Screen. In the lower left (at the red arrow) type in "ASTD Island", then click CONNECT. You'll be there in no time!

Wednesday afternoon is not the best time to go through ASTD's Second Life orientation, becasue that's when Linden Labs (the creators of Second Life) often shuts down to perform maintenance. 

ASTD does not provide technical support for the Second LIfe software. The Second Life software is stable and tested, but it may crash on your computer. If you are experiencing technical difficulties, please visit the Resources page at left. And don't worry, you can always uninstall the program and try it on another computer.

Second Life is not compatible with dial-up internet, satellite internet, and some wireless internet services. You must have high-speed internet (cable or DSL) and be hooked directly with your ethernet cable.

Your office or university may not let you use Second Life. Network administrators may block secure access not allow access through a firewall.