informal adult learning in second life

Informal Adult Learning in Second Life

Robin Ashford and Scot Headley: George Fox University

Overview

• Many formal learning opportunities exist in Second Life

• Informal learning (professional and personal) opportunities are vast

• Be aware

• Be prepared

• Be involved

George Fox University Skydeck – Librarian’s office building, information resources, scripted objects, educational display, video, PPT, teleporter – home base for many

Welcome to students, course participants and our global education communityStop by & visit anytime: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%203/164/222/751

Librarian’s front office – Course specific information objects, scripted computers, tools

“Intro to Second Life for Educators”Graduate level one credit hour edtech course offered to

students and faculty from School of Education

Course Purpose

• The purpose of the course is to acquaint participants with Second Life (SL), a 3D virtual environment. Our intent is to discover the functions, processes & relationships that exist, as well as the potential of virtual worlds (VWs) for educators and education.

Course Objectives

• To learn how to survive as a resident in SL

• To become familiar with resources for educational use in SL

• Experience community life within SL

First class: meet & greet-reinforcing basic skills from orientation

Importance of avatar customization – Identity, comfort level, social presence

Abyss Museum of Ocean Science: Early intro to interactivity, immersion, presence

Learning the value of community and joining groups - ISTE Island

Immersive Educational Builds in SL

UCDavis Virtual Hallucinations Genome Island Cell Biology

OSU Testis Tour OSU Testis Tour

Dr Doug Danforth - Creating resources for medical students and sharing with the world

Students/faculty interview Dr. Doug after taking OSU Testis Tour during week

University of Sheffield faculty/senior lecturer, Sheila Webber (SL Sheila Yoshikawa), takes class on tour of her Infolit iSchool Island using tour chairs tool

Enjoying informal discussion with Sheila and students

Creator/founder of International Schools Island (ISI), Chris Smith (SL Shamblesguru Voom), shares from Thailand on his work with educators & educational tools in SL

HealthInfo Island with Carol Perryman-tour of nonprofits in SL

Monash University Chinese Tea House-interactive objects, language/culture learning

Language and Chinese culture learning-Monash University tour with Xilin ( 西林 ) – Vegetable garden tour-touch items for audio of name in Chinese language

Montclair State University Theorists Project tour with AJ Kelton (aka SL AJ Brooks)

Ready to Learn – How to make a new shirt

Everyone eager and ready for learning activity-confidence building and fun

Student takes the lead demonstrating and teaching building skills to class

Our Journeyhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/25095603@N07/sets/72157614072305900/show/

Attending education roundtable discussions, presenting on Infolit iSchool Island, collaborating with Spinoza builder, attending ALA conference from inworld--opportunities for collaboration & informal learning in SL abound

Friends Meeting House

Cedar Island