For some odd reason, we stopped building nuclear reactors 20yrs or so ago. Denver university research professor Robert Amme plans to build one in Second Life however, with the goal of training the next generation of environmental assessment specialists in a risk free simulation geared towards distance learning and collaboration.
In a way, running experiments and teaching classes in Second Life offers a number of advantages over real life: students watching from their computer screens won’t have to wear expensive radiation badges or obtain clearance to enter an actual laboratory. Instead, they can attend in the guise of “avatars” — virtual likenesses, like personalized computer game characters, whose appearance and features can be customized.
One commenter on the InsideHigerEd site wondered if there were enough hippies in Second Life to organize a protest. I shouldn't think that would be a problem, would you? :)
Thanks George!
