Grand Opening Event: Black History Museum & Cafe Dec 10th at 4pm

Awareness installment that explores Black History in the US & the modern day issues it led to.  Enjoy the adjacent open-air cafe

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LUXORY%20NORTH/233/114/24

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Visit LV! For those seeking some education in their second lives

 Explore exhibits about the U.S. Presidency/2016 election, Black History, Hispanic Heritage,  Women's History, Constitution Week. 9-11 Memorial and other resources.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serena%20Balmoral/230/31/22                 

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Land Security in SL- Join the class at WBH Simply Impossible Sept. 24th at 11 am SLT

Learn the basics of how to manage security settings on your own land, or on group land for which you are an estate owner or manager.  Topics: Assigning land management rights; land access; other privacy considerations; protecting your assets.  Will include time for sharing stories and other interactive exercises.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Inspiration%20Island/119/30/22

*retrieved from SL Events

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Sacred Cauldron School of Wicca in SL -Seersha Heart Reporting...

It is 7:00 pm slt and a class begins.  Each student of Woolston-Steen Theological Seminary is represented by an avi sitting in the classroom.  “Earn Your Degree From Anywhere” is what Woolston-Steen emphasizes to their prospective students.  All of their classes are held online in their SL virtual classroom environment so that all students may participant from any location in the world.  If the student has access to the internet, they have access to the campus through SL.

            Sponsored by the Aquarian Tabernacle Church, Woolston-Steen is recognized by the State of Washington as a religious seminary able to grant degrees in Wiccan Ministry.  You may earn an Associates’, a Bachelor’s, or a Doctorate in Wiccan Ministry.

The Dean of Seminary is Belladonna Laveau.  She is the Archpriestess of the Aquarian Tabernacle Church International.  She authored the book Awakening Spiritwhich is used by the U.S. Military to assist chaplains minister to Wiccan troops. 

            Today we get to hear from Dean Belladonna Laveau about the school and it’s connection to second life.

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Thank you for the opportunity to talk to the SL Enquirer about what we do at WiccanSeminary.EDU, a real Wiccan College that holds classes in Secondlife.

Seersha Heart:  Happy to hear all about the college.  There are ways to make a class offering online, why did your school choose SL?

Dean Belladonna Laveau: We teach witchcraft at WiccanSeminary.EDU. Secondlife is a 'tween space where magic can be done and energy can be experienced. It's very similar to any other place "between the worlds". In this place we can teach magic easier, because we can generate the energy in the space with the students, and illustrate it. Students can see what we are doing energetically, and learn faster.

Seersha Heart:  Are any of your students veteran SL residents?  Are some familiar with SL before they begin school?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:We get a good bit of our student body through Secondlife residents. It's helpful to be familiar with, and a fan of Secondlife before starting school. Learning to navigate Secondlife can be an additional challenge for the student, who is not already adept with the software. Knowing how to shop, build, and edit makes it easier to turn in assignments and progress through the school.

Seersha Heart:  What training in SL do you offer students?  Do you have an orientation to SL?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:We take them to Caledon University, and accompany them while they go through. We also send them to Builder's Brewery, or provide a simple building class. We try to utilize the resources already provided on Secondlife, and be part of the greater community.

Seersha Heart:  How long has your school operated in the SL classrooms?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:Our school has been teaching classes in Secondlife since 2009. We first came in, when one of the students offered to let us set up on his private land. We then were offered to purchase Sacred Cauldron, which was already established. We couldn't resist such a beautiful and sacred offer. The Goddess provided us the funds for it in an immediate and miraculous way, and we were home.

Seersha Heart:  You list possible areas that need clergy on your website.  Does the school help students with job placement?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  We do. The Aquarian Tabernacle Church sponsors the school. It has many departments where a student can work. You start out in intern positions that are volunteer, and learn the industry through experiencing it from the inside. We have a Career Counselor that is available for helping you map out your career path. 

Seersha Heart:  Is there a graduation ceremony?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Yes. It is held inworld in the spring.

Seersha Heart:  Do you know some rl jobs your graduates are doing now?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Most of our graduates continue in service as Ministers. They are running festivals and churches, writing books, and articles, being spiritual counselors, and serving to help Wiccans and Pagans all over the world. 

Seersha Heart:  Has SL proved to be a good location for your virtual classroom?  What are the good aspects and what are the aspects that challenge the school in SL?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  We love working in Secondlife. We find it supportive of the many programs we have, and we continue to bring more programs inworld as we grow. The challenge is not having voice on cellphone viewers. We have started using Skype for Business for the voice chat aspect of the classroom instead of SL voice. It's more convenient for students on the go, and it allows us to record the class. We would be happier and more efficient if SL integrated with outside technologies.

Seersha Heart: Can someone apply to the school in SL from the campus?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Yes, just pop into the castle and as for help, or ask for help right on the Sacred Cauldron group list. There is almost always someone online to help. You do have to interface with a standard web browser to complete the forms and tuition requirements. The school does not accept Lindens for tuition.

Seersha Heart:  What do you want prospective students to know about the experience and the school?

Dean Belladonna Laveau:Sacred Cauldron is an open campus, come and see what it's like to do magic in a virtual 'tween space. There are so many layers that Secondlife brings to magical training, that I couldn't cover them within the space of this article. Having to create a world that changes with the seasons is a lesson of magical design that one wouldn't expect, and that is only one aspect to the depth of knowledge you will receive at WiccanSeminary.EDU. Another very important, but unexpected perk of working within secondlife is the exposure you have to the world-wide community of pagans. I have close friends all over the world, because of my work in Secondlife. These are the future leaders of Wicca, from all over the world. That's a networking perk that will prove to be invaluable to the students of today in years to come. Knowing each other across the globe, as you build your own churches, allows you to network, and form common goals, making it a stronger spiritual foundation for not only you, but for those who know you, and for the whole religion. 

Not only is it extremely valuable, it is a fun place to learn. Never discount the fun component when it comes to learning. Students that work in Secondlife can't wait to come to class. They spend more time on campus, more time focused on their studies, more time developing magical relationships, and more time learning. Our students advance faster, and become more accomplished, as their careers develop. We find Secondlife an invaluable addition to our online campus.

Seersha Heart:  Thank you so much for answering my questions.

Dean Belladonna Laveau:  Thank you for the opportunity to answer your questions. We at WiccanSeminary.EDU appreciate the chance to share our magic with you. 

            For more information, visit their website or visit Sacred Cauldron at the links below.  It is a magical experience.

Additional Information:

SURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sacred%20Cauldron/207/191/67

SL Group Name: http://www.wiccanseminary.edu

**This article has been updated on 2/27/17 to correct the mispelling of Dean Belladonna Laveau. The SL Enquirer apologizes for any inconvience it may have caused 

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Become part of history: SL Coast Guard Opens Museum. Join us on February 4th at 12pm SLT

In 2005 a group was formed with a strong mission in mind.  The mission was to educate real life safe boating practices to the residents of Second Life.  And since this group formed, it has grown exponentially.  And now in its twelfth year of service to the SL grid, it has become one of the largest, and most active groups of maritime safety of its kind.  But, this was a journey that only the persistent and brave could endure.  

The SL Coast Guard has endured and gone farther than the founder had ever expected.  The members of the group come from all over the globe, and from all walks of life.  This is a group entirely based on Volunteers who like mindedly share the mission to educate real life boating safety.  The stations and substations are located throughout the continents of the main lands of Second Life, and groups of regions that contain large expanses of open waters.

The SL Coast Guard has been active since the inception of the group.  The group has evolved to doing more than just boating.  They employ eight, both fixed and rotor, aircraft as well as having over eight watercraft from motor powered to sailing craft.  Every member is thoroughly trained on the operation of the vessels they use on patrols.  Along with boating and aviation training, their members also may take up dive, search and rescue, medical, leadership,and honor guard training.

On February 4, 2017 at Noon SLT, the SL Coast Guard would like to thank the residents of Second Life for their participation in keeping their mission going.  They would like to formally invite you to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony commemorating the years of their involvement in the open waters Linden Labs opened up for all to enjoy.  The dress attire is formal.

Please don’t miss out on this once in a lifetime event.  This is not just a history of the SL Coast Guard, but a history of us, the residents within Second Life.  Speakers to include:  Sanstrom Laxness, Tig Spijkers, and RJ Kikuchiyo.  And presentations of retirement to their retired Admirals and staff will be given out.

The museum is packed with a history of each of the stations, vessels both air and sea, and people involved in their journey.  But, none of this could not have happened if people of Second Life weren’t out on the waters, or in the air.  Along with the rich history the SL Coast Guard has forged, they have been able to create relationships with various landowners, and have been involved with other groups who share similar visions.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Qlar%20Fell/182/180/28

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WBH Word Hunt Challenge by Wisdomseeker Jan. 23rd Begins at 7am SLT

Look for the colorful WBH logos (Inspire-Interact-Innovate) that each contain a clue. Follow the instructions in the WBH Word Hunt sign to solve the puzzle.  Put your answers on a notecard and drop that, with your name on it, into the dropbox at Wisdom Grove.  Correct entries receive a cash prize!    -- THIS IS AN ONGOING ACTIVITY, OPEN THROUGHOUT THE WEEK --

WBH Orientation and Multiple Intelligences Experience
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Inspiration%20Island/9/12/21

*SLE pick retreived from SL Events

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Community Virtual Library Celebrates "Summer in the Park"

When: Tuesday, August 2, 2016

6:00 pm to 7:30 pm, US/Pacific

Come celebrate our Summer 2016 Exhibit Grand Finale "Libraries and Librarians in Virtual Worlds" alongside friends, colleagues, librarians, and educators in an immersive learning environment.

Where:  SLurl: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bradley%20University/95/44/24

 

The Community Virtual Library is open to anyone interested in the future of libraries in 3D immersive spaces.  Librarians from around the globe have been networking and exploring the potential for virtual worlds for a decade at CVL. Our goal is to feature exceptional work in virtual worlds to share at CVL and we are hoping to form collaborative relationships with other virtual world groups.

 

http://www.infoisland.org/news/summerintheparkdancecelebration

All are welcome!

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Spotlight on The Edge- Supporting the Artistic Side of Fashion & Imagery in Second Life- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Fashion has always been a popular topic in Second Life. Since the beginning, fashion has given residents of SL a form of self expression and unique personal style. From runway models and fashion designers to residents who love to shop, Fashion is still a big part of the virtual world culture and definitely here to stay. One resident spends her time supporting the artistic side of fashion and imagery with The Edge.

Interview with  Eles (Eleseren Brianna)

Our individual style defines us visually in the real world as well as Second Life. Can you tell our readers what style means to you and what inspired you to be involved in the fashion side of Second Life?

Eles: What an interesting question. Style for me is a combination of expressing my individuality in an aesthetic way. It is also about feeling good about being me because I feel confident attractive and empowered in the clothes I am wearing. It is not necessarily about wearing the latest 'fashions', though that might happen. It is about making a statement creatively that expresses who I am and what I want to say about myself through what I wear. When we slavishly follow fashion trends we are not really saying anything about who we are as individuals, we are more likely wanting to fit in and be with the in-crowd. By all means wear the latest fashion if it really gels with who you are and what you love about clothes or accessories. I got involved in Fashion in SL originally as a designer, following my real life experience of training and working as a Designer Dressmaker some years ago (which is where my creative interest in Fashion started). I am also trained artistically in RL (as an illustrator) so Sl for me is a mode of artistic expression. That came out in my designing, but took off completely when as a model I discovered Styling in SL.

What is The Edge? 

Eles: The opportunity to create The Edge was a huge gift given to me by John Herring (Johannes1977) the powerhouse behind Windlight. When I came to the end of my year as MVW 2015 I had been looking for a way to follow my muse in exploring the edge where Fashion and Art meet, and where Fashion explores the artistic. The Edge was conceived as a way to support, promote and provide education on the most artistic elements of SL Fashion and modeling and bring them more widely to the public in SL. I hope we also have a role in influencing SL Fashion to be more creative and exploratory too.

The Edge has definitely evolved to have a mission of promoting original creativity within SL Fashion and Modeling in various ways, but especially it focuses on my love of Styling. Styling in SL doesn't really have too much of a RL counterpart (unless you perhaps look at the personal style of a few pop stars and the like). It is for me a true and valid form of creative expression using fashion as a medium, whether that is then displayed on a runway, or through imagery (which are both forms of creative expression in themselves of course). 

Not only is it a gallery, there is an emphasis on education as well. What can you share with our readers about that?

Eles: The Edge currently does cover the Gallery where artistic Fashion Imagery is celebrated and promoted, and the Edge Section of the Windlight Magazine where we cover topics that cover creativity in Fashion in various ways. I am proud though to have launched the educational side to the Edge through my Styling Bootcamp course (and there will be other educational events in time).

As I mentioned before, the Edge does have as one key mission, the promotion of Styling in SL. I remember when I was first learning to be a model, that Styling was something a little feared, a little mysterious even. Some Models were lauded as great Stylists but training never really seemed to grasp adequately how you could learn to become a really good Stylist yourself. How to style in certain genres was taught, and were definitely useful to a point, but truly how to *think* as a Stylist, for me at least, was lacking. I cannot speak for all the trainings out there or for what others have got from them, this is a personal viewpoint. I am a fairly analytical person and I developed my own ideas and techniques as I progressed as a model and a Stylist.

The Edge Styling Bootcamp course is a culmination of what I learned for myself, and is intended to show how to really think as a Stylist, which is a powerful foundation and facilitator to any Styling you do. Using the in-depth techniques and knowledge I give on my course should mean that you can tackle any aspect of Styling successfully, even when thrown in the deep end with a genre you don't know, or when you are asked to style totally creatively. I can honestly say that the Bootcamp course is the most sophisticated Styling training ever offered in SL, with original concepts and tuition, and it has to be, to be worthy of the purpose of The Edge.

Fashion and trends change often with pop culture. Do you offer styling courses for those interested in redefining their personal style?

Eles: The Edge Styling Bootcamp is not specifically for redefining or making over someone's style, but the tools and techniques it teaches do unlock more ability to style creatively and imaginatively, with more understanding of how to put stylings together. This means anyone who does the course will have the tools to experiment and explore and that would lead to greater self expression in their personal style. What the course does emphasise also is the benefits of gaining a knowledge of rl fashion trends, collections and designers. These are a source of inspiration as well as knowledge about what is happening with Fashion trends.

Fashion is not only for the purpose of looking good but it can also be artistic. Can you explain the line between everyday fashion seen in Second Life and artistic fashion for runway and Fashion enthusiasts?

Eles: I think this is probably similar in some ways to the difference between extreme Haute Couture and runway designs in real life, and the clothes people buy in stores, which basically boils down to practical wearability. This isn't always the case of course, this being Second Life, but I would say that artistic fashion for runway and enthusiasts is more extreme, and 'out there' stylistically. It makes a stronger statement and its not so much about the person who is wearing the design, as about the design itself being the centre of attention, and creating its own identity and its own message artistically. 

What ways do you like to Support Fashion and Fashion Imagery in Second Life?

Eles: The Edge, together with Windlight, aims to support Fashion in as many ways as we can. We have a mission to altruistically support the Arts in SL, including the Fashion Arts. For Designers Windlight offers free participation in its events, plus we have had some very notable fashion shows which we have hired Agencies to do (thereby helping to support Agencies too). The Edge Gallery offers an opportunity for anyone who makes fashion related imagery to show in well publicised regular Open Exhibitions. We also feature the work of our talented group of Edge Stylists in the Edge section of Windlight Magazine. The Edge section also features articles related to many aspects of Fashion, modeling and Styling. We run our Edge Styling Bootcamp course as I have already mentioned. To this we have added free E-Books, so far one on posing and one featuring our wonderful Edge Stylists (who have been chosen for their talent in both styling and imagery). We have future plans for the Edge yet to be revealed too.

Fashion Imagery can also be seen as art. Can you explain the difference between images you may see in a fashion magazine and the type of Fashion Imagery you support?

Eles: I think this is a hard question to answer, as images in Fashion magazines vary in their creativity, and there is some truly excellent imagery appearing at times in Fashion Magazines. The Fashion imagery that the Edge supports is imagery where yes Fashion is a focus in some way, but the image itself works as an art image. It is about the image being considered as a whole in an aesthetic and coherent way as a work of art. It is conceived and shot in this way when it is created. All of the artists we feature in the Edge Gallery have different styles but they all produce images that stand by themselves as pieces of artwork. I see a lot of images which feature fashion but there is no real aesthetic relationship between the figure wearing the fashion and the rest of the image, be it background, props, whatever. Those images would never make it into the Edge Gallery. I cover this in the final session of my Styling Bootcamp course, when we look at what elements should be considered in an artistic image, so I won't go into all the details here!

Where do you see fashion headed in Second Life and what do you thing designers will come up with next?

Eles: Again this is a hard question to answer as Fashion is so broad in SL and serves a lot of different communities, all with their own preferred styles. I am personally interested in high fashion in SL so will keep my answer to that. I see more and more designers starting to produce their own mesh, and designers getting more and more proficient in making their own mesh. This for me is leading to the beginnings of a creative renaissance in SL fashion as mesh designs are diversifying and getting more beautifully and imaginatively rendered. I am encouraged too that this burgeoning ability is meaning

that designers can make more and more original designs, perhaps inspired by RL trends but not slavishly following them.

I think also there is a trend now within SL Fashion and modeling to explore Art in various ways, and I like to think that Windlight and The Edge have played their part in it. Art and Fashion is not something that can be territorially claimed by anyone, the two have gone hand in hand down through the ages, and will continue to influence each other in the future.

I have also heard one or two designers saying they are getting interested in looking at Avant Garde designs again, and that would be something I am excited to see.

Is there any fashion advice you have for our readers or anything else you would like to share about The Edge?

Eles: I am not going to tell anyone what to wear, but I will say this. Do not be afraid to be yourself, and wear clothes that you personally feel good in. Don't feel like you have to follow the crowd, some fashions do not suit everybody. I am particularly fond of a quote by Orson Welles 'Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say, and not giving a damn'. I would say though dress in the best quality items you can afford because they will make you look much more polished, whatever you wear.

As regards the Edge, we have some very interesting projects to be announced, so keep a watch for announcements. The Edge will continue to walk its own path and support the Fashion Arts in SL, something i am very excited about.

Additional Information

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Water%20Haven/53/212/26

URL: https://windlightmagazine.com/theedgebyeleseren/

Group: part of Windlight Group

Facebook: part of Windlight Magazine Page

Twitter: part of Windlight

Other: https://www.flickr.com/groups/2858256@N24/

Preferred Contact: Eleseren Brianna

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SPOTLIGHT FEATURE: The TEFL English School- Interview with Principal Michael Knightrider- Lanai Jarrico Reporting…

Second Life is a unique place for exploration, entertainment and being creative. It is also a place where residents can learn about different cultures on a global platform. Education is an important part of our life, so is the ability to communicate. In Second Life, residents are able to meet people from all over the world. Sometimes a language barrier can make it difficult to carry on a conversation. With today’s technology, community members can use a translator in world to assist them. However, the benefits of learning a different language can open more doors of opportunity- Not just in Second Life, but in the real world.

The TEFL English School prides itself on professionalism and helping Second Life residents learn the English language in a virtual classroom.  There are no official qualifications or Degrees. This service is to help enhance English communication.

SLE caught up with the Principal; Michael Knightrider to learn more about TEFL and what it has to offer.

Interview

SLE: Hi Michael, can you tell our readers about The TEFL English School and what inspired you to create classes for SL residents?

Michael:  My thoughts first came to me in 2010,  I remember having a massive argument with my now Ex over it, and coming back to the UK, pondering it for a couple of years I decided to do it in 2014. I decided to create the TEFL school through wanting to help people achieve their goals and dreams, learning another language is fun, but also necessary in this day and age too!

…

SLE: How often will classes be available and is there a tuition?

Michael: at first were aiming 2- 3 days for classes at SL times,  we are actively looking for QUALIFIED TEFL/English Tutors to take on a role where the school will be open 24/7, seeing as people live in different time zones and one time zone doesn’t always suit another person.

SLE: How big are the classes and how long do they last?

Michael: These classes will be small, say 10 to a class with a maximum of 2 classes, the reason being in second life due to Lag of the sim/ region and also due to each individual with the scripts they may be wearing, Typically a class will last for around 2 hours and would last for an average British term (approx. three months)

SLE: What can students expect during one of your class sessions?

Michael: As all will be adults, we would be teaching Business English as well as English for Leisure, if our students ever decide to visit Great Britain. We can and will be also offering extra tuition via Skype on an hourly basis rate, this will NOT be in Lindens but will be payable by PayPal or credit card.

SLE: The TEFL English School isn’t a real institution so you don’t offer a Degree to students. What type of reward do you give them at the end of their program?

Michael: On  the basis that the TEFL school is a ‘virtual classroom’ yes it is, we cannot award anyone with a qualification, we are here to enhance what our students have or are learning in real life, simply as an extension.

SLE: Are you hiring tutors? If so what type of teacher are you looking for?

Michael: we are actively seeking tutors who have worked with foreign students in the past, whether real life or second life, preferably would hold a basic TEFL/EFL qualification, has time and patients. I would be holding any interviews personally. Pay is 1000L per hour (2 hours max).

SLE: Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about The TAFL English School?

Michael: I have been to and worked in most parts of Europe and wish I could see more! If you ever get the chance to teach English as a foreign language, do so, the opportunities are endless!! Also TEFL is not an automatic bar if English is not your first language, the fact you can understand it and speak it means you too could get a job in TEFL!

Teleport:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Fishermans%20Cove/99/14/22

Join our group!

The TEFL English School

secondlife:///app/group/9cdc4f5f-8fcd-9d7e-edca-94c2f2451193/about

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SL’s Best Schools! -LillyLacewing Reporting.

This is a hard one, ladies and gents; I won’t lie to you. I have to pick only 5 institutions to list here, and many well-known universities have a presence in Second Life. So instead, I’m going to highlight a couple of schools relevant to things you need to know in SL, and a couple of University presences. First up?

Caledon’s Oxbridge University.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Caledon%20Oxbridge/72/140/29

This place is interesting; it has a ‘lecture hall’ where you can learn the ins and outs of Second Life, or if you’re big into Steam Punk, then I highly recommend checking out their library where they host a treasure trove of books on everything from 19th Century Politics and sciences to art history and children’s books. The whole university is appropriately Steam Punk, and I love it! There’s lots of informative stuff here for newcomers to SL as well, such as simple things like interacting with a new currency marketplace, how to build things (very basic of course) and how to earn Lindens, interact with others, and everything else someone new to SL would need to know--or even someone not so new, but in need of new information. They host both free, and paid classes on a wide variety of SL important activities such as building items, clothing, working with mesh, etc. It’s a great, fun, large, and informative school beyond worth the TP in!

Stanford University’s SL Location

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Stanford%20University%20Libraries/162/227/34

Now, I don’t have to tell you about Stanford. It’s a Real Life, Ivy League University. It has links to their libraries online. Once you land, there’s a bright red line that you follow to large billboard that lists the SL physical locations of their libraries, and there are a handful of video screens that link you to the online libraries.  The Second Life installation is very detailed, large, and beautiful.  It’s great for students of the physical university, as well as curious SL’ers who’d like to learn things they might not otherwise. Go check it out!

Rockcliffe University Library and Reference Center.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Rockcliffe%20Library/91/128/22

Ok, so admittedly, this one’s more of a library than a school, but it taught me how to make clothing! Something I’ve always kind of struggled with was creating here in SL, but a book quite literally out in the open taught me, in a matter of minutes, how to make basic, simple clothing. It’s filled with books both informative and fictional, as well as books on how to make things in SL that are basic, easy to understand, and won’t intimidate the new user! I was happy to find this place, and now I can’t wait to give my new clothing making skills a try. Who knows, maybe this time next year, I’ll be pimping my own product line in an upcoming article! Go get your learn on!

SOMA: Learn Photoshop, gimp,etc…

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Boudoir%20Isle/202/232/49

This is a great resource sim for those who want to learn to fine tune those clothing-making skills they picked up at Rockcliffe! This ‘school’ teaches users how to use image manipulation and graphics software such as Gimp, Photoshop, and even more I’ve never heard of. As anyone who’s made, or purchased, an item off the marketplace, can attest to how important those graphics programs are for builders, SL ‘tailors’ (clothing makers,) and those who build entire sims. This is a place I plan on returning on my off time to learn, on my own time and at my own pace (how rad is that?!?) how to make textures to attach to that shirt I just learned how to make.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/U%20Wisconsin%20Milwaukee/85/164/26

This is another Real-Life University brought to life here in the grid! This one serves students of UWM, both in teaching them how to use Second Life in order to take classes on its online campus, and in other SL relevant information. It serves the public the same, and teaches new users how to orient to life in SL. I was surprised and happy to see that this campus seemed up to date, the Halloween colors of black and orange popping up in cheery balloons welcoming you to the campus.

All in all, it was hard to pick the 5 best schools of in Second Life, mostly because A.) There are SO many, and B.) They’re all incredibly informative, most even have their own libraries, either with old classics in notecard form, or online links to places where you can read and experience classic literature for free. Also, for those who want to further their educations but cannot afford to attend places like MIT, some schools offer access to their textbooks online for free. For MIT’s curriculum: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/online-textbooks/ .  A Google search can also bring you lots of free textbook resources as well as other e-books for both learning, and pleasure!

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