A second look at Second Life

I've been putting a lot of thought into ays to take better advantage of technology in terms of interacting with students, and it struck me that we need to think about our connections to each other as colleagues, professionals, etc. as well.

I would venture to guess that each of us has participated in a conference call, teleconference, video conference, web chat, etc. at least once, or know someone who has.

Why not an entire virtual conference. Second Life may provide an ample opportunity for National and Regional professional associations to host conferences where larger numbers of members may participate (no travel, lodging and per diem expenses to the individual or university). A little bit of release time, and maybe a conference registration fee, and professionals can network even more regularly than before, just through a different media. I bet that there are countless professionals who would jump at the chance to do something in this vein.

As for our students, there are even more applications for functions such as this. Entire social networks, or online spheres of interaction can be structured around: 1) Grass Roots Organizing, 2) Student government training, 3) Transitioning in and out of college life, etc.

It doesn't have to only be through Second Life.. There are multiple systems that can be used for various, similar purposes. A university specific college graph (i.e. the campus-wide equivalent to the "social graph that is Facebook.com) such as TAG may enable students to connect to cohorts of alums that wre involved in similar activities. It could even provide an opportunity for faculty and staff to connect to students on the non-academic level. The faculty/staff who were members of the chess club or debate teams when they were in college can share their experience or become advisors to the current student group...mentoring relationships can be set up, etc.

What are ways that you're using online social networks to connect to colleagues on campus or across the country, and what are the ways you are using them to connect to students?