There are certain jobs in our real world that take a LOT of training to do. Many of these professions use virtual simulations to help people practice their skills, before putting them into situations where a mistake could cost millions of dollars, or lost lives. Think about what pilots have to go through, in order to keep their flight status. The simulators they use these days are simply amazing to see, and I bet even more amazing to actually use.
I have worked on several projects inside of Second Life during my stay, and each one has taught me something that has had a positive affect on my skills in RL. I have been learning website design, and graphic design, and have been doing more web marketing recently, which as rolled over into a few RL projects I am currently working on also.
Which is somewhat interesting, because one of the articles that I read many years ago that peaked my interest in SL was about how the Dept of Emergency Response (Which now I believe is the Dept of Homeland Security), was using the technology of Second Life to simulate real disasters, and training the responders. That was very fascinating.
I was thinking more about this subject recently, especially when I got a compliment on a logo I did for the company I work for. Granted, it was nothing real fancy, and could be tons better, but the skills I have learned in SL doing photography really came in handy.
It also reminded me of an old friend that is no longer in SL. Shortly before she left, we had a nice long talk. She told me that being in SL really helped her come out of her little shell she had created for herself, and had helped propel her into the dream job she had always wanted, and even helped her become more confident in herself, which led to her going out more. Because of all that, she then met a man that she was really starting to have feelings for, and he was falling for her also. In her mind, she was able to use SL as a testing ground for some real life achievements.
So what if SL is more than just a fantasy world. What if it really is a testing ground for some very real challenges, and improvements of our real lives? Does what we do in SL really have that much of an affect on our Real Lives? Does how we conduct ourselves inside this fantasy world relect who we are in RL? Is it possible to really become more than what we were when we started by practicing in SL?
I am not sure of all the answers to these questions, but I do know that my experience in SL has taught me some very valuable things about RL, from both a personal standpoint, and a professional one as well.
So I will add one more thing to my list of things that I love about SL. It gives me an opportunity to practice things that will allow me to improve my RL, in ways I probably would never have considered before.
I hope that SL can be that for all of you also. It is a very valuable resource, when used that way.
Have a great Monday everybody!
I have worked on several projects inside of Second Life during my stay, and each one has taught me something that has had a positive affect on my skills in RL. I have been learning website design, and graphic design, and have been doing more web marketing recently, which as rolled over into a few RL projects I am currently working on also.
Which is somewhat interesting, because one of the articles that I read many years ago that peaked my interest in SL was about how the Dept of Emergency Response (Which now I believe is the Dept of Homeland Security), was using the technology of Second Life to simulate real disasters, and training the responders. That was very fascinating.
I was thinking more about this subject recently, especially when I got a compliment on a logo I did for the company I work for. Granted, it was nothing real fancy, and could be tons better, but the skills I have learned in SL doing photography really came in handy.
It also reminded me of an old friend that is no longer in SL. Shortly before she left, we had a nice long talk. She told me that being in SL really helped her come out of her little shell she had created for herself, and had helped propel her into the dream job she had always wanted, and even helped her become more confident in herself, which led to her going out more. Because of all that, she then met a man that she was really starting to have feelings for, and he was falling for her also. In her mind, she was able to use SL as a testing ground for some real life achievements.
So what if SL is more than just a fantasy world. What if it really is a testing ground for some very real challenges, and improvements of our real lives? Does what we do in SL really have that much of an affect on our Real Lives? Does how we conduct ourselves inside this fantasy world relect who we are in RL? Is it possible to really become more than what we were when we started by practicing in SL?
I am not sure of all the answers to these questions, but I do know that my experience in SL has taught me some very valuable things about RL, from both a personal standpoint, and a professional one as well.
So I will add one more thing to my list of things that I love about SL. It gives me an opportunity to practice things that will allow me to improve my RL, in ways I probably would never have considered before.
I hope that SL can be that for all of you also. It is a very valuable resource, when used that way.
Have a great Monday everybody!
I think Second Life can be about so many more things than just playing a game. Like you pointed out, it's great to gain new skills, even if those skills are just interacting with others more. Great post.
Thank you Marja.
I have been amazed at what I have learned by being in SL. And many times things come up at work, and I think "Oh, I know how to do that", or "I can make that" based on what I have learned.
But then again, I try and learning something from everything I do, so maybe I am just a freak. :P
Thanks for the comment!