A virtual ER

How much would an ER visit cost in Linden dollars?

That's a question we may never have an answer for, but medical students at London's Imperial College are learning about doctoring through the virtual world of Second Life. Instructors are calling it "game-based learning."

The Second Life learning space is designed to look like Imperial College itself. Students are learning about patient consultation, they order x-rays and even make virtual diagnoses.

There's even a penalty if they forget to virtually wash their virtual hands.

It's not part of the official curriculum, but students say it's a nice diversion from traditional learning.

"I've had two years of just lectures and books," said third-year medical student Khayam Sheikh. "I think this is a nice way to break it up."