I know this is an integration of technology into education class and all, but I'm sorry, I just can't get behind the idea of using something like second life or some similar virtual world in my classroom (save for Google Earth). As you pointed out these things can take a little time to learn as far as navigation is concerned and frankly I think taking that time in class (or even out of) would be time better spent focusing on content, or working with epistemic games to solve more realistic problems.
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I'm not a fan of where things in this world are headed in a lot of ways. People push technology and virtual worlds as a great way to interact and become a global citizen. While I can't argue with the fact that social networking sites and things like Second Life are good ways to connect with others around the world, it is still not ACTUAL HUMAN INTERACTION!!! I'm sorry, but to me there is no substitute for having experiences in real life. I understand that often times budgets, logistics etc get in the way; but I for one if given the choice between taking my students on a trip out west at the end of the year to learn about geology or allowing them to 'learn' all about the same material virtually it wouldn't even be a choice. I'd do what ever I had to do (write grants etc) to make the REAL trip happen. Kids will forget about experiences in the virtual world soon after they are done. You know why? BECAUSE THEY AREN'T REAL!!!! However, a week + long trip in the real world that focuses on more than just content and actually becomes a truly education experience is something that I feel kids will remember for the rest of their lives. We're human beings after all. We thrive on shared experiences, and while the virtual world can offer us a plastic version of these experiences it will never be a substitute for the real thing. I am well aware that they are working on creating sensors and trigger that will trick your nervous system into believing that what you are feeling is real, but why would you want to do this? I just don't get it. I guess I'm a purist.
I just feel that in a lot of ways the way we are heading is compromising our humanity. I've heard it discussed a few places that while social networking sites allow us to stay better connected with people, our actual face-to-face interactions with our peers is actually declining. I hate to sound like the old guy that is afraid of change, but I really feel strongly about this kind of stuff.
Here's the link to my blog comment as well.
http://ucdblogs.org/mediaservices/?p=381&cpage=1#comment-1712
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