Virtual Experience:Observations on Second Life

Clare AtkinsNMIT

KORU

Opening remarks

• not the result of rigorous research

• private involvement in SL (Nov 2006)

• as interactive, face-to-face teacher

• reluctant user of LMS’s

• April 2007 – first classes in SL,

• July 2007 – NMIT bought Koru

• Semester 2 – First student project in SL

• March 2008 – $500,000 to explore SL for education

This paper attempt to gather together thoughts, encourage discussion, and make

connections!

Characteristics of Second Life Accessibility Game Engine

Koru – The kauri grove

Immersive

Perceptually convincing

Interactive in real time

User Generated

Observations

Creating educational spaces

ObservationsProfessional and social networking

ObservationsEnhancing Reality

ObservationsConstructivism

Dante’s Inferno

ObservationsMetaphoric

Representation

Issues: Steep learning curvefor staff and studentsSL Core Competencies Framework

Kiwi Educators meeting June 2007

Issues: Technical requirementshigh spec graphicsfast internet connection and good bandwidth

Issues : Trustin each other

in Linden Research Inc.

Engaging with Second Life: real education in a virtual world. •Encouraging and supporting innovation funding•$500,000 for an 18 month project - SLENZ•7 parts

• a full literature review on the potential of MUVEs• identify suitable learning outcomes for SL• design learning experiences and develop resources • train staff from the ITP sector who teach them • pilot them with learners from across the ITP sector• evaluate the learning from the project• share the learning and resources online

Please visit

Arwenna’s Bloghttp://awennastardust.wordpress.com

NZ Education in a Virtual Worldhttp://eduforge.org/projects/slcampusnz/

Grateful thanks to Aaron Griffiths for many of the photos.