by Vance Stevens
http://www.homestead.com/prosites-vstevens/files/efi/papers/metsmac/metsmac_secondlife.htm

 

This paper discusses the concept of distributed learning networks and their potential for professional development and collaborative learning using the Internet in peer to peer networks. Many innovative distance learning environments have arisen recently thanks to remarkable developments in the ways people are now able to interact over the Internet, freely and without reliance on client-server network models. Example learning environments range from relatively flat but open source learning and content management tools (such as Moodle and Drupal) to richer facilities integrating learning with social networking tools (e.g. Elgg, MySpace), and beyond (e.g. Second Life).