Internet2 Panel on Virtual Worlds “Shareout”

Scott Merrick Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach

scottmerrick.net

3 “paying” jobs:

• Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach– Teacher-in-residence

• University School of Nashville– K-4 Technology Coordinator

• MUVErs– Co-founder, Consultant

See scottmerrick.net for links

to all these fine agencies

Main Observations• VE instructional settings can facilitate learning

that is:– Synchronous– Asynchronous– Collaborative– Teacher-led– Self-initiated– Global

• VEs are EXCELLENT ways to pursue Personal/Professional Learning (PLN)

• The adoption bell curve is still in the early range: Look for a spike as more educators “get it”

ISTE Island,

International Society for Technology in Education

Look! It’s

Kathy Sch

rock!

http

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ledu

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l.wik

ispa

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com

Early gen nursing simulation—sims under development are much less complex, at least in interface, incorporating MUVErs’ signature “Easybutton” in design and implementation…

Immersive Education at

Media Grid

http

://im

mer

sive

educ

atio

n.or

g/ab

out.

htm

l

Quest Atlantis Teacher Professional Development

SLED wiki

Links to Resources Scott Mentioned:

• Vanderbilt Center for Science Outreach

• University School of Nashville

• MUVErs

• International Society for Technology in Education

• Second Life for Educators

• MediaGrid ImmersiveEducation

• Oh! Virtual Learning• Second Life Education Blog• SLED mailing list• Sledupotential• Quest Atlantis• Discovery Education Network in SL• SLED wiki• RezEd

scottmerrick.net