BLUE skies and swaying palm trees might not be the first things that spring to mind when you think of the University of Bolton campus, but thanks to the magic of cyberspace that is exactly what students will be able to enjoy.
The University has opened a campus in the virtual world of Second Life, an online community which allows users to create their own “avatars” and interact with each other.
The online campus will give students and lecturers an opportunity to find out more about the university, and also help bridge the geographical gaps between the University’s affiliate colleges and international campuses, such as the Ras ak Khaimah campus in the United Arab Emirates.
The campus has been given the name Meridian, and was created by The University of Bolton Computer and Cyberpsychology Research Unit.
The virtual campus boasts an impressive array of facilities which include lecture theatres and classrooms with multimedia presentation facilities and web access, a theatre, art galleries, a conference centre, information and student support centre, clubs and cafes plus Student Halls with an extensive beach area — something that certainly would not be found in Bolton.
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