Here is a typical article on the launch of a new island for an academic institution. Nothing out of the ordinary (over 400 higher education institutions are currently in Second Life), however I was taken aback when the article mentioned it was 2 years in the making.
I expect that includes the entire project from proposal to island completion. In that regard, it is not suprising. The bureaucracy and possible “push back” can be quite an obstacle in both academia and corporate settings.
A two year lag becomes more and more of an issue when Web 2.0 apps are coming on fast and furious.
They have a great collaborative plan outlined to include other community colleges on their island. I can’t wait to see what they have created, I am certain it is very well done from both an educational and Second Life perspective.