secondlife-degreeAt the Saint Paul College in Minnesota, Warren Sheaffer has created a collection of classes and programs to build degrees based on web2.0 services and Second Life.

Through the center, the college is offering two new two-year degree programs. The Metaverse Application Design program provides training in graphic design, animation and art for the 3-D realm. The other program, Metaverse Application Development, is based on the college’s computer science curriculum and features courses in 3–D computer graphics and Java programming, among others.

It’s an interesting use of thin-client systems for education, but I really have to wonder if programs like this really create any value:  A degree that’s entirely based on the tools of a virtual reality where the rules could change at a moment’s notice, rather than on the foundation technologies, languages, and algorithms that transcend the tool.

via Web 2.0: Sheaffer helps students brace for their Second Lives – Finance and Commerce.