In Caret's virtual study break, students raised many of the same topics they do when they meet Caret in person - parking, dorms, tuition and the snow-cancellation policy. But Caret said it appeared that more art and design students showed up for the Second Life meeting, asking about 3-D printers and issues important to them.
More students showed up in the Second Life meeting than the number who show up for Caret's real-life study breaks, said Towson student government president Kristen Guy, who organizes the sessions.
"When I saw how many students were in the [virtual] room, I was overwhelmed," said Guy, 21, a senior from Bucks County, Pa. "I thought it was an innovative new way to increase communication."
Caret fielded the questions in a small conference room off his office, sitting in front of a Macintosh computer outfitted with a microphone. Students listened to his answers through their own computers, wherever they happened to be. Using his keyboard and mouse, Caret controlled his avatar's movements, gesturing, shrugging and checking his watch.
The university set up virtual refreshments outside the atrium, featuring cheese, fruit and hamburgers.
Students seemed to take more liberties than they would in an actual meeting with Caret. Responding to a question about the university's plan to make its campus smoke-free, Caret said he was once a smoker himself. An anonymous student booed at the admission.
Caret maintained a buoyant spirit throughout, inviting students to fly around Towson's island with him after the meeting. The island is populated by tigers - the university's mascot - though they are harmless.
Students said they appreciated Caret's willingness to meet them through a new technology.
"It can be a very effective tool for reaching a large base of students," said Nick DiMarco, a Towson senior from Ellicott City. "More students would be more apt to logging onto their computers and speaking with him that way, as opposed to going to the auditorium, sitting down and waiting for him to speak."
DiMarco, 21, was also impressed with the questions students asked. "A lot were really hard-hitting questions that he was forced to answer on the spot," he said.
After nearly an hour of taking questions, Caret posed for virtual photos with students and faculty.
"I hope you've had a good time today," he told them. "I look forward to seeing you in the real life - or Second Life - in the future."
