Are you concerned your child is spending too much time online? Has he disappeared into a virtual world? Maybe he’s going to Harvard!

Via joannejacobs.com an article in the Christian Science Monitor reports on university classes being held within Second Life.

For the first time this fall, a Harvard University class is meeting on its own “Berkman Island” within Second Life (SL). “Avatars,” visual images that represent the students and teachers, gather in an “outdoor” amphitheater, head inside a virtual replica of Harvard Law School’s Austin Hall, and travel to complete assignments all over the digital world.

In fact, the article says, “Some 60 schools and universities have set up shop inside Second Life.” Within Linden Labs, the company that operates Second Life, education is a focal point. No doubt we will continue to hear about online education conducted in this virtual world.

BTW, your child likely isn’t really going to college in Second Life, at least not now. You must be enrolled in Harvard Law or the Harvard Extension School to attend.