Using the Second Life Virtual World in teaching and learning
images by joannamkay
The project will evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Worlds, in our case Second Life as a teaching and learning tool. Developed by San Francisco based Linden Lab, Second Life is 3D online social networking environment where users inhabit a virtual world of their own making represented to others through a virtual persona or avatar. Users are able to create, communicate, exchange and transact commercially with other residents in a highly immersive and engaging environment.
While the educational potential of 3D virtual worlds is still in its formative stages we hope to further the understanding by engaging a group of learners and teachers from the Sydney Institute Design Centre Enmore to build an online educational environment. Students at the Design Centre Enmore study a range of topics including graphic design, interior design, interior decoration, 3D animation and digital effects using advanced 3D modelling software such as Maya. We will contract onto the project Second Life building expertise to train team members on creating Second Life environments. By drawing on the students existing skills in 3D and cgi we hope to broaden their skills and experience by creating an interactive online 3D environment.
The project will also partner with disability teachers from OTEN with an interest in exploring AUSLAN in virtual worlds, librarians from across Sydney Institute and a range of individuals interested in exploring online Multi-User Virtual Environments in education.
Our Team
The core project team will include the following
Project Manager
- Wendy Zammit, Communications Teacher, Sydney Institute
Project Facilitator
- Paula Williams, eLearning Development Officer, OTEN
Second Life experts
- Jo Kay, aka jokay Wollongong in SL (Resource Development Officer, TLRU, Illawarra Institute)
- Sean Fitzgerald, aka Sean McDunnough in SL (independent researcher, consultant, trainer and presenter)
Mentors – Staff from the Learning and Innovation Unit
- Julie Collareda, Manager Learning & Innovation
- Stephan Ridgway, r/elearning coordinator, Learning & Innovation
- Shirley Summers,CEO Innovations, Learning & Innovation
- Paulis Cheung, A/Teacher Education Coordinator
Teachers & Students from the Sydney Institute Design Centre Enmore
- Jeffrey Crass, College Director, Enmore
- Martin Brown, Manager 3D Animation, Design Centre Enmore
- Eric Whitmarsh Knight, Teacher, 3D Animation, Design Centre Enmore
- Diana Matesic, Digital Media Coordinator, Design Centre Enmore
- Kumar Pereira, Head Teacher Graphic Design, Design Centre Enmore
- Rod McRae, Head Teacher, Art & Design / Design Fundamental, Design Centre Enmore
- James Gollan, Head Teacher, Information Technology, Design Centre Enmore
- Robert Reid, Head Teacher, Product Design, Design Centre Enmore
- Tony Garske, CEO Petersham
- Todd Packer, Interior Design, Design Centre Enmore
OTEN Disabilities teachers
- Vladimir Pavlovic, OTEN
- David King, Access & Equity, OTEN
- Graham Smith, Teacher/Consultant Physical Disabilities, OTEN
Librarians
- Beatriz Aroche, Information Resources Librarian, Sydney Institute
- Simon Gray, Librarian, Sydney Institute
- Tessa Bachmayer, R/Manager, Knowledge Systems, Sydney Institute
- Paula Webb, Library Manager, Sydney Institute
- Lucy Hill, Manager, TAFE Library Services
BAIT Curriculum Centre
- Nicola Pegum, SEO, Ultimo
- Tracey Sernack-Chee Quee, Treasurer and Membership Chair, Sydney ACM Siggraph Professional Chapter
Teachers
- Heather Beebe, Disabilities, Ultimo, Sydney Institute
Sharing the Learning
Second Life: TAFENSW: Sydney Institute Campus, jokaydia (212, 68, 22)
Surl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/jokaydia/212/68/22
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Project page on NSW LearnScope
