Through a one year project sponsored by The Norwegian University program (Norgesuniversitetet, NUV website: http://norgesuniversitetet.no ) a virtual platform for life long learning will be co-developed by Molde University College (Norway), Kalmar University College (Sweden) and the Central Missouri State University (USA) using the virtual technology environment of Second Life (SL) Second Life is a 3D world and virtual community where the constructs of the world are built by its members. Three virtual islands (consisting of processing space on servers) will be purchased in SL, with virtual real estate adhering to the partner organizations. [1] The three colleges will build virtual buildings and virtual classroom spaces on these islands. The partners will also develop a variety of activities that support different segments of their real life student populations as well as allow for cross communication between the student bodies. Supported student activities may include: software writing projects, advising and support of experienced based graduate students in thesis writing, and implementation of selected courses that are presently taught in traditional classroom to be partially taught in SL. Courses to be supported can cover a broad spectrum of academic topics including the study of: history, creative writing, African American literature, courses in information management and in user support and education of IT systems.

  

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