When was the last time you read the Lewis Carroll novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland? No! The movie does not count!  Shawnee Heights students are studying it in a novel way.  Mrs. Donna Sanders, Gifted Facilitator, recently wrote the following about their project - A Teen Second Life Project by Shawnee Heights Middle School.

 Technology is an integral part of today’s world. Through my involvement with Teen Second Life, I have learned a great deal about the kind of technology that is available today and its importance in the educational setting. When I was first introduced to Teen Second Life I was uncertain of its value in the classroom. At first all I could see were students creating fictional characters and flying around an island in a mischievous manner. I wasn’t sure I could justify spending valuable student contact time with this kind of technology. Through this current project, however, I have definitely changed my mind about its value to the learning process.
 In collaboration with Jean Gardner with the Topeka Shawnee County Public Library and Professor Stacey Fox from Kansas University, twenty 7th and 8th grade  students and I ventured into unchartered waters.  We were asked if we would like to design characters and a set from a book of our choice on Teen Second Life.  The class thought it sounded interesting.  We had just a little experience on Teen Second Life.  From a list of Classic Literature, the students chose The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll. 
 We began the project by conducting research on Lewis Carroll, and reading and analyzing the book. The students were surprised how different Carroll’s version was from Disney’s version of Alice in Wonderland. We discussed surrealism and its relationship with Carroll’s vision in Alice’s dream.  Then we started developing the characters and the scenes on Teen Second Life.  I was amazed at the creativity I saw.  I was thrilled with their grasp of the story and the use of surrealism in their characters.  I was impressed with  how they organized and used a grid to map out the story’s scenes. They quickly surpassed my knowledge of how to use the tools on Second Life.  They now teach me how to use the tools and applications.  However, as the Queen of Hearts, I still have command of their work or “Off with their heads!”
Their work has surpassed all of our expectations. We are excited when we are working on the project.  The time flies by.  Students work on the project on their free time, too.  Not only have they learned a great deal about 3-D Virtual Animation, but they have learned to appreciate a work of Classic Literature.  They want to read more.  They are anxious to create another possibly on The Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum. Wow!  Some see this as a possible career opportunity.
Without the help of Jean Gardner, TSCPL and Professor Stacey Fox, Kansas University, there is no way we could have had this experience.  My students are excited about learning and using their creativity and problem solving skills. Every minute is productive during our class time.  I hope my classes in the future can continue to be a part of this innovative and wonderful learning opportunity.