When using the virtual world of Second Life for teaching, issues emerge concerning orienting and preparing students to participate in class projects, assignments, and meetings in Second Life. For instructors, there often is a gap between knowing how to present assignment or project tasks to students and knowing how to prepare students to ease into Second Life with as few "glitches" as possible. This presentation will address ways to orient students efficiently and effectively so they can navigate Second Life, how to use their avatars, and how to avoid problems.

Presented at the Online Lifeline Conference, Valdosta State University, Valdosta, Georgia, February 16-17, 2012.