Second Life

What is Second Life®?
Second Life® is an online virtual world where people are represented by characters (avatars) that interact with each other and the environment of the virtual world. Once you have created your own personal Avatar, you are able to communicate with others via text, voice, streaming audio and video. This "real time" environment provides a unique and engaging method for people to interact via their avatar.

How will this be used in the course session(s) for which I am registered?
Mayo Clinic is offering Second Life® as an option for participating in course sessions. The “virtual sessions” take place in the Mayo Clinic Conference Center, within Second Life®.

As a participant in the Second Life® program, you will hear the faculty member’s actual voice, view the presentation materials, and see the faculty member represented by an avatar as the presentation takes place in "real time." You also are able to participate in "real time" Q&A sessions.

What if I do not have a Second Life®Account or Avatar?

• Go to Second Life and select the “Join Now” button at the top right
• Follow the instructions for selecting a user name, password and supplying account information, then:
  • Select one of the existing standard avatars. You will select an avatar for your character, which can be changed later to customize your appearance.
  • Use a work or a personal email address, which can be changed later.
  • When asked, select the “free” account, which can be upgraded to a “premium” account at a later time.
• If the viewer is not already installed on your computer or laptop:
  • Download and install the viewer software from the supplied link in the account creation process or from the bottom of the Second Life Web page
  • Install on your computer or laptop. If you are using a work computer, your organization may require that you contact your IT department to install the viewer.

Logging into Second Life:

• Launch the viewer
• Enter your username and password
• Select “Advanced” from the “Mode” dropdown list
• Uncheck the box to store your password if this is a shared computer/laptop
• Select “Log In”
• The first time you log in you will be asked to accept the “terms of service”

Orientation and help:

• On your first login, you will be taken to an “Orientation Island”
• A series of exercises will teach you to move, interact with objects, and communicate with other people via their avatars. This will be helpful in preparing you for the symposium.
• An excellent orientation island to visit is Virtual Ability Island. To get there click on the link and login.
• Additional help

Mayo Clinic in Second Life®

There are two ways to get to the Mayo Clinic Region in Second Life®

• Click on the link and log in as you normally would
• Type "Mayo Clinic" in the search box at the top right of your screen and select the "Region: Mayo Clinic." Click on “teleport” to be transported. Then, follow the signs to the conference center.

Once inside the conference center, have a seat (right click on a chair and select "Sit Here"). Someone will be there to greet you and be able to answer any questions you might have prior to the session start time.

Mayo Clinic’s Region is rated G and considered a “family friendly” environment. Mayo Clinic’s Virtual Campus operates with the same expectations as our physical campuses. Proper dress and behavior are required.

Hardware and software requirements:
You will need a laptop or computer that is connected to the internet and meets the minimum standards established by Second Life®. Sound must be enabled on your device in order to hear the moderator present the material.

Terms of Use:

Mayo Clinic Policy on Privacy and Confidentiality
Second Life®

Limitation of liability:
The use of this service is entirely at your own risk, and in no event shall Mayo Clinic be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, exemplary, punitive, or any other monetary or other damages, fees, fines, penalties, or liabilities arising out of or relating in any way to content, information, or service provided herein. 

Copyright and trademark information:
The marks "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," and the triple-shield Mayo logo are trademarks and/or service marks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. The content and designs are protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, republish, upload, post, display, transmit, or frame any of these materials without prior written consent from the copyright owners, except that you may view, display and print a single copy of these materials on a single computer for personal, noncommercial use only, so long as  (1) you do not alter or modify the materials in any way; (2) you include all applicable notices and disclaimers (including copyright notices), and (3) you do not use the materials in a way that suggests an association with May Clinic or an affiliated Mayo entity. You understand and agree that title to these materials shall not pass to you or any other user.

Orientation sessions:
If you are new to Second Life we offer an optional Mayo Clinic Virtual Campus orientation session(s).  Participants will receive a reminder email of the following dates and times for these sessions.

February 13: 7-8 a.m. EST or 5-6 p.m. EST
February 14: 7-8 a.m. EST or 5-6 p.m. EST

If you need assistance we are happy to help. Contact Brian Kaihoi or Victoria Staifer with questions regarding Second Life®.