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Probably all of you know what blogs are: "weB LOGS" or diaries for people to informally share information, pictures, etc. on whatever professional or personal topic they choose. I have been interested in blogs as a way to tell the many amazing stories emerging from your experiences getting to, and being part of, our Program. MIT uses blogs extensively as part of its recruitment/admissions program (students volunteer to blog as a way to tell stories about life at MIT from various angles) and also to feature the research/service experiences of students.
Chat/IM
Second Life
Second Life is a web-based 3-D virtual world. Users create animated representations of themselves called "avatars," and use them to interact with people in all sorts of ways. Regular people are using SL to buy and sell goods, develop real estate, and socialize. Companies are using it to market their goods, meet with clients, and collaborate as a way to supplement audio/video conferencing. Dr. Irving Wladawsky-Berger, formerly head of research for IBM and a leader in the adoption of virtual worlds for collaboration, is now a visiting professor at MIT Engineering Systems Division and is helping us move our collaboration ideas forward. He and his IBM colleagues argue that collaboration in SL, either in the corporate or academic arenas, offers participants a broader range of "sociable" connections than a simple videoconference. When a videoconference starts, someone begins the agenda and at the end it's over. In SL, when people gather in one place for a meeting, there is more of an opportunity to chat, form community, and arrange further discussions.
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