Designing a 3D learning event

Very helpful checklist on designing 3D educational events, from Karl Kap

Prior to Class

* Make sure everyone can access the 3D world prior to the actual event...have a "dry run" exercise.(technical specs, fire walls and other requirements need to be addressed for all learners to be engaged during the event.)
* Send plenty of advance notices about when and where to meet.
* Set up a site outside of 3D world for correspondences and messages (like a wiki).
* Make sure learners have an avatar prior to class.
* Encourage learners to explore the 3D world prior to class so they are somewhat oriented to class.

In-World

* Make sure everyone can do basic navigation. Start with an orientation exercise.
* In Second Life (SL), make sure avatars are off of the Orientation Island.
* In SL, provide a SURL to transport students to place for instruction
* Regardless of the instructional exercise/archetype, create a gathering place for learners for pre or post briefings.
* Establish some method to speak (or text) to the entire group.
* In SL, consider whether or not you want to permit flying.

During the Class Activity

* Make instructions are clear (vague instructions are hard to follow, provide them in written format if possible…in SL, use a note card.)
* Provide a time limit for the instructional exercise.
* As the instructor, go group to group to see how the learners are doing and to answer any questions specific to a particular group (if a group exercise).
* If the setting is more classroom-oriented, provide a mechanism for hand raising and for developing an orderly method of call on students.
* Establish rules of behavior in terms of gestures, sounds, building.

After Class

* Conduct a debriefing.
* Make future assignments clear so everyone understands.
* Assign in-world activities outside of class to keep learners involved with 3D world when class is not officially meeting.
* Provide opportunities for after class, informal, peer-to-peer learning and exchange of information.

China cafe in Second Life - English language for Chinese speakers

Today, the China Cafe officially opened in the virtual reality environment “Second Life” (www.secondlife.com) on the Info International sim. The purpose of this cafe is to provide English language instruction for Chinese persons. It will also be a forum for Chinese speakers to mingle with native English speakers to practice conversational English. This pagoda-shaped building features a garden with three types of tea, a classroom, a library, a meeting area, and a tai chi meditation rooftop area.

TEACHING & LEARNING IN SECOND LIFE

EdTech Island on Second Life (Revised)

Teaching with Second Life

This semester the School of Hotel & Tourism Management is providing an orientation programme in a virtual world.

We have developed a virtual campus – PolyUSotel – in a 3-D world called Second Life. The aim is to help students get familiarized with their new study environment and learn some study skills and life skills. In PolyUSotel, students assume a personal 3-D character (avatar) to explore the virtual PolyU campus and team-up with other students in a series of safe, competitive and structured activities.

There will also be virtual consultation sessions with teachers and senior students from the School. We will provide both a social environment where new students can meet with others, as well as some serious games where students can discover their preferred learning styles, find out how to be an 'active' learner and learn techniques to manage time and handle stress etc.

The programme will run for 4-5 weeks during September and October 2007. For further information see the website.