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Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College
Columbia University
Computing & Technology
Computing & Technology
Teachers College, Columbia University
Teachers College, Columbia University

 

 

Technology Initiatives @ TC

Second Life

 
Teachers College has an island in the virtual world of Second Life called TC Educator.  This is a place where people are represented by avatars, classes are held on platforms in the sky and presentations are conducted in an amphitheatre.
Second Life Account

If you already have a Second Life account, an avatar and downloaded Second Life software, you can teleport to TC Educator.

To set up a Second Life account and download software go to: Second Life and follow the directions.  A broadband Internet connection is recommended.

(Note: TC's island can be found  using the "Search" option within the "Map" screen).

 
 
Teleport To TC Educator
 
For those who already have a Second Life account and Second Life software on your computer:
  1. Go to http://slurl.com/secondlife/TC%20Educator/128/128/0 .Cut in paste this address in your browser if the link doesn't work. On the window that comes up, click "visit this location." You'll be placed on the TC island.

    For College streamed presentations, fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down." Listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar.

    If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "preferences" window.

    OR...
  2. Log in to Second life as you normally do. From within Second Life, click on "Map," located at the bottom right of your Second Life window (you cannot find the TC island by using the normal "Search" tab).  Type "TC Educator" in the "Search" field in the Map Window (not the main browser window) and click "Search." Then, click on "Teleport" and you'll arrive on the TC Educator island.

    Fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down," and listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar. If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "preferences" window.

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First Time Visitors to TC Educator

If you do not yet have a Second Life account and the Second Life software on your computer these are free, and easy to set up. Please note that Second Life requires a high speed Internet connection, a computer with a relatively new graphics card, and QuickTime installed for viewing video. To get your Second Life account.

  1. Cut and paste the following address into your web browser http://slurl.com/secondlife/TC%20Educator/128/128/0 and go there. On the window that comes up, click "sign up now for free." Follow the instructions to get an account and then you'll be placed on the TC island.

    For streamed presentations, fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down." Listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar. If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "Edit > preferences" window.

    OR...
  2. Go to www.Secondlife.com and click on "Sign Up Now." Follow the instructions; membership and software is free. Once your account is activated, click on the Second Life software and log in.

    You may need to go through the orientation if you are new, which will teach you basic commands. When you are ready to go to TC Educator (the TC island in Second Life), click on "Map" at the bottom of your Second Life window. You cannot find the TC island by using the normal "Search" tab; you must use the Map button. Type "TC Educator" in the "Search" field in the Map Window and click "Search." Then, click on "Teleport" and you'll arrive on the TC Educator island.

    Fly or walk to the amphitheater or use one of the teleporters to get there (instructions for teleporter use are on the flipbook on the landing area where you arrived). Have a seat by right-clicking one of the amphitheater benches and choosing "sit down." Listen to the presentation by clicking on your movie button in your bottom menu bar. If you don't have the video function activated already, you will need to do that in the "preferences" window.

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Tips & Trade Tricks

  • On a Mac computer, right clicking is accomplished by holding down the Apple key while clicking the mouse. Left clicking is accomplished by holding down the "Alt" key while clicking the mouse.
  • Getting a bright picture: Second Life moves from sunrise to darkness in four-hour cycles. If you arrive when it's dark or dusk, and want to have a bright picture, you can choose "Force Sun > noon" under the World tab in the menu bar.
  • Camera Controls: To zoom in on the video presentation screen, hold the "Alt" key and left click on the video presentation screen. While holding down the "Alt" key, use the arrow keys and "Page-up/Page-down" keys to zoom in and position the screen for best viewing. Type the Escape key to return to your normal view.
  • Flying: Start and stop flying using "Page Up" to go up, arrow keys to move while you are in the air, and "Page Down" to go down or land.
  • Sitting: Right click on where you want to sit and choose "Sit down." To stand up click the "Stand up" button or right click on yourself and choose "Stand Up."
  • Interacting with objects: You can interact with objects by left clicking on them or left clicking and then choosing options provided to you.
  • Once on TC Educator, create a landmark using the "Create Landmark Here" tool in the World tab on the menu bar. The landmark is placed in your inventory. You can then return to the TC island directly by opening your inventory, choosing the landmark from inside your inventory, and choosing teleport to go to TC's island.

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