Virtual Learning environments - SL

My graduate class (Teaching and Learning in Networked Classroom) recently met in the Second Life (SL) site for a tour. I was unable with my connection to join the group but have since been able to install SL and visit Orientation Island. I find without a guide I am not able to do much. My first goal is to go back to the creation of my avatar and fix some of the quick decisions I made in the beginning while trying to join my class. The initial body type and age do appear to be things that are easily changed at a later date. For some reason I appear as a disembodied torso at times. I cannot seem to place hair on my head. I can talk to people, teleport, chat, fly and edit my appearance.n I was not able to figure out how to do anything else yet. There is so much help and documentation, it is difficult to know where to begin and I find much of the information assumes prior knowledge. I am not sure how I would SL in a teaching environment but I am looking forward to a more experience tour guide. I am also looking forward to visiting classes and watching lectures and going to fun places on SL.