My thoughts on Second Life

What is Second Life?

Second life is an online 3D world created by the individual. It's an opportunity for everyone to realize their own visions regarding their environment.

Could it be used for anything useful?

Of course! It takes social networking to a new level. Not only can you meet new people but you can also reconnect with lost friends. Second life can be used to develop your creativity and social skills.

How could businesses use it?

Businesses can use Second Life to conduct online meetings where geographical limitations would normal prevent such meetings. We've all been part of a telephone conference, boring right?. With an online 3D world to conduct business meetings or transactions you add a new element of personalization which stands out in the crowd.

How could education use it?

Classrooms not limited by geography or economic restrictions of course! Would you rather learn a second language from someone who speaks it on occasion or learn from an individual who speaks it everyday? I can envision a scenario where schools are no longer ranked by academic performance due to classrooms being conducted by experts from all over the globe.

Would you use it?

I can certainly see the benefits of the online world but further study on my part would be needed before I can answer this question. As with everyone, my lifestyle is very unique and may not benefit from Second Life. I am however, willing to give it serious consideration.

My take on the following......

Processor frequency: Specifies the operating (internal) frequency of CPU's core. The higher the frequency is for a given CPU family, the faster the processor is. To save power most laptops include a "Speedstep" feature which lowers the frequency of an idle CPU core. Frequency * Instructions per clock (IPC) is the total CPU efficiency.

Word size: The number of bits a CPU can processes at once. A processors word size is often the same as the external data bus.

Overclocking: Modifying settings to run your CPU (or other parts) past the speed that it is rated at. The gaming community is the driving force behind this practice and today, many manufacturers build and advertise this ability into their products. The common risk is destroying hardware due to overheating.

Data path: The path that data follows within the CPU, along the bus from registers to the Arithmetic Logic Unit and back is called the CPU Datapath. All data in the computer, regardless of type is sent along the Data Path.

SRAM: Static Random Access Memory. SRAM is volatile memory and only holds information until it is overwritten or loses power.

Primary, external and memory cache: Primary cache is referred to as Level 1 cache and is often a reserved area of memory. External cache referred to as Level 2 cache and is not built into the CPU, rather it is installed on the motherboard. Memory cache is the main area of RAM used by the operating system.

What Does the Research Say About Technology's Impact on Education?

Traditionally, schools and classrooms have tended to discourage many forms of collaboration. In the archetypical system, decisions related to course content and delivery arrive top down from the administration, teachers spend all but a small portion of their day confined to a room, telephones are not easily available to teachers in most situations, students are rewarded for not talking and for working independently, and communication between teacher and parents is scheduled once or twice a year at most. Teachers who value communication with parents and students generally must do it on their own time from home. Students who want to or have to collaborate must often do it outside of the scheduled "work day."

In contrast, success in graduate school, business, or life in general relies on collaboration and teamwork. The traditional education system, being more evolutionary than revolutionary, is unlikely to transform itself any time soon into an environment that teaches and encourages collaboration as a part of learning; emerging technologies, however, can catalyze this change much sooner than it would happen otherwise

7 things you don't know about me.

1) I am a combat veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. I first joined the Navy in 1990 and served 10 years on active duty. I now have been in the Nevada Army National Guard for the last 2 years.
2) I met my wife Sass on eHarmony and have been happily married for 3 years.
3) I have 2 daughters and they are my pride and joy. Katiana is 14 and Ashlyn is 8. They live in San Diego with their mother. Katiana starts High School next week and I think I'm more nervous than she is about it.
4) I have a twin Brother. Although not identical we share many traits, even after 10 years of separation.
5) With 20 years of computer experience, I've never used a MAC.
6) I'm a impulsive shopper.
7) I've jumped out of a plane at 45,000 feet.