Virtual Worlds and The Open UniversityVirtual Worlds and The Open University

Learning at Work DayLearning at Work Day

Thursday 20Thursday 20thth May May

Chris Carter, Steph Broadribb and Anna PeacheyChris Carter, Steph Broadribb and Anna Peachey

Which of these are you…?Which of these are you…?

• According to Spence (2008), the HE community can be divided into four camps: 1) Those who embrace virtual worlds

2) Those who have ignored the evolving use of this technology

3) Those who are aware of but have not yet explored the technology

4) Those who are entirely unaware that virtual worlds exist!

What is a virtual world?What is a virtual world?

No single definition, but a broad one is:

“A synchronous, persistent network of people, represented as avatars, facilitated by networked computers” (Bell, 2008).As cited in Spence (2008)

Alternatively… :

“Massive multi-user online environments where millions of people live out a collective fantasy existence” Source: Castranova (2007)

The virtual world landscape…The virtual world landscape…

Around 300 at the moment – 800 projected by 2012. Source: http://www.kzero.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/universe-q2-09a.jpg

What is Second Life?What is Second Life?

• Virtual world developed by Linden Lab• Launched June 2003• Persistent – available online 24/7• Not a game! No predefined ‘objectives’• User-generated content• Large and highly diverse population (as

of 19/5/10, approx. 17 million registered users, 1 million active resident log ins every month; approx 40-60k online at any one time)

Sources: http://www.crunchbase.com/company/secondlife

And http://secondlife.com/statistics/economy-data.php?d=2010-05-19

Who uses Second Life?Who uses Second Life?

• Average SL user – 30s to 40s (average age 33 years – www.kzero.co.uk)

• Real life (RL) business – global networking, marketing, recruitment, publishing and more

• Virtual World (SL) business – totally virtual business, $L- Almost 42 million L$ spent in throughout April 2010 (Approx $150,000 – exchange is roughly L$280 to $1)

• Education – schools and universities worldwide

http://www.kzero.co.uk/

And so on….

How do The Open University use SL?How do The Open University use SL?

• In-world tutorials • In-world presentations• In-world exhibitions• Student networking• Staff Development• Research• e-Conferences• Marketing

What does SL look like?What does SL look like?

[video clip]

So, why use Second Life?So, why use Second Life?

engagementengagementcreativitycreativity

communitycommunity

supportsupport

learninglearning

enjoymentenjoyment

Skills Skills practicepractice

innovationinnovation

Potential challengesPotential challenges

• Attitudes: “it’s just a game …” vs. learning through play• Fear of technology• Hardware, firewalls and Internet connections• Knowing your way around (as the facilitator)• Cost of buying land:• E.g. Fit Island• $700 / £425 set-up fee (1/2 price for Ed.)• $1770 / £1075 maintenance fee (annual)• Total: $2470 / £1500

• Creating your SL island• Approx £500 per day (we needed 4 days)

Any Questions?Any Questions?

Thank youThank you

Steph Broadribb s.c.broadribb@open.ac.uk (aka Lorelli Loire)

Chris Carter c.j.p.carter@open.ac.uk (aka Lavender Skytower)

Anna Peacheyanna@eygus.co.uk(aka Elsa Dickens)