Purpose

The Tech Virtual uses an immersive online software called Second Life(tm) for exhibit design.

Second Life is a 3D online platform where you can meet with team members and prototype exhibits virtually.  This free software is all you need to view and build all the exhibit projects.   If you have never used Second Life before, allow about an hour to get started.  Be patient and give yourself a pat on the back for dipping your foot into a brand new technology.  Once through the initial learning curve, the potential for what you can do in Second Life is wide open.

Step by step

If you already have a Second Life account, just click here.

1. Second Life is software that runs on your computer.  If your computer is a more than few years old, you may want to review the technical requirements for using the program here: http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php.

2. To create a free Second Life account: click here.

• For teens ages 13-17: go to http://teen.secondlife.com.  This will allow you to join Teen Second Life.
  

3. After registering there, you will be directed to download the Second Life viewer.  This is about a 50 MB download and can take several minutes. 

4. Once you have downloaded the software, connect to Second Life using the avatar name and password you created in step 2.  You will be looking over the shoulder of your avatar in the orientation area.  Use your arrow keys to move from station to station in the orientation area.  The orientation will teach you the basics of moving, camera control, chat, and using objects.  Don’t worry if you dont' catch every detail, there will be plenty of chances to ask questions and experiment.

5. Teleport to The Tech virtual island.  To do this from inside Second Life,  click the Map button at the bottom right of your viewer.  In the search box, type “The Tech” (no quotation marks) and click Search.  You will see The Tech in the map.  Click the "Teleport" button to go to The Tech.

6. When you arrive, you will be standing in front of the main entrance to The Tech.  The Tech island is the home base for all components of The Tech Virtual.  On the island, you can:

• tour exhibits in the virtual Tech Museum
• experiment with building things in the Sandbox Dome
• work on exhibit projects in Parkside Hall
  
• hold meetings in a variety of classrooms and meeting spaces

Need help?  We're here to assist.

For more in-depth beginner resources in using Second Life, check out: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/gettingstarted