Virtual Economy Research Network

Here's a one-stop-shopping blog that provides up-to-date info on latest developments in synthetic world economic analysis

Lots of interesting threads we might follow, especially in terms of the move into Chinese market, etc. We should check this out as we move the chapter forward...

Global Kids

Found this example of global civic engagement in 2nd Life called Global Kids. Good example of the increasing potential of MMORPGs to reach beyond US...

Social Impact Games

This is a neat site as well...a clearinghouse of sorts for social impact games. The Political and Social Games link on the left is particularly well suited for social studies...

PC Games...

Check out this article from the New York Times on the rising popularity of PC games...

Learning Possibilities using Sid Meier's Civilization

This website (seems to be just beginning) is being designed with the idea of being a clearinghouse for using Civilization (or Civ, as it's called) as an educational tool to teach and learn history, geography, politics, etc.

Whyville: A Virtual Community for Middle Schoolers

Check out Whyville, a virtual community for teenagers, replete with a virtual government and currency. It also has a wikipedia entry.

More on 2nd Life and education...

Interesting overview of potential for 2nd Life.

2nd Life and Education

Some interesting threads on potential of 2nd Life for education:

GLEF piece on "The School of Second Life"
Global Kids Media Intedractive: Blog on 2nd Life
2nd Life's Education page

John Edwards' SL HQ vandalized...

Great example of government and laws...would be a great taking off point for a class. Check it out on John Edwards' blog.