For instructors in the 21st Century, Web 2.0 technologies have become the tool with which the classroom is no longer a physical-real space but has been transformed into a virtual world. An example of this virtual reality is Second Life, developed by Linden Labs and launched in 2003.

This presentation will discuss the challenges and possibilities of using Second Life as a platform to learn 'hands–on' skills in a polytechnic environment, and the opportunities that this social software brings to a completely new learning experience. Two major courses have now started to use Second Life not only to engage students' attention, but also to provide students with equipment and learning situations that real life cannot supply. The research goals, opportunities and challenges will be presented and discussed together with the virtual work developed by instructors and students.