A few weeks ago, Joan and I attended a presentation on Second Life at UH Manoa. Two topics were covered: "Second Life Manoa", and " Information Behavior in Virtual Worlds". These two presentations were part of the CIS seminar series.
Second Life Manoa,
Sam Joseph, Assistant Researcher, ICS
This presentation focused on the structure and uses for Second Life. Real estate (sq. ft. unknown) was purchased for $1,500 and managed for $1,500 annually. UH sent pictures to Second Life developers to create models of the same buildings that exist on campus. Currently, five have been created. Powerpoint walls have been incorporated for UH staff to utilize and hold class. World browsers can also be linked to real life websites. Twitter feeds can be built in so that the administrator can detect when there are visitors in the area. Objects that have been scripted or created can also be purchased for low cost, $1,000 Linden dollars is equivalent to $3 US dollars.
Information Behavior in Virtual Worlds
Diane Nahl, Professor, LIS
Diane collects data from interactions in the virtual world. Some of her observations tell us that synchronous collaborative effort creates an avatar-mediated organic induction process to incorporate a new avatar-colleague into the group as a member. Members are then able to participate in collaborative efforts and form collective bonds through joint efforts. This she believes, ensures continuous participation in projects, new communication skills, practice of research and pedagogical methods.
Overall, this was a good presentation as it provided us insights on how UH has incorporated Second Life into their campus programs.
Second Life Manoa,
Sam Joseph, Assistant Researcher, ICS
This presentation focused on the structure and uses for Second Life. Real estate (sq. ft. unknown) was purchased for $1,500 and managed for $1,500 annually. UH sent pictures to Second Life developers to create models of the same buildings that exist on campus. Currently, five have been created. Powerpoint walls have been incorporated for UH staff to utilize and hold class. World browsers can also be linked to real life websites. Twitter feeds can be built in so that the administrator can detect when there are visitors in the area. Objects that have been scripted or created can also be purchased for low cost, $1,000 Linden dollars is equivalent to $3 US dollars.
Information Behavior in Virtual Worlds
Diane Nahl, Professor, LIS
Diane collects data from interactions in the virtual world. Some of her observations tell us that synchronous collaborative effort creates an avatar-mediated organic induction process to incorporate a new avatar-colleague into the group as a member. Members are then able to participate in collaborative efforts and form collective bonds through joint efforts. This she believes, ensures continuous participation in projects, new communication skills, practice of research and pedagogical methods.
Overall, this was a good presentation as it provided us insights on how UH has incorporated Second Life into their campus programs.
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