Instructional Technology Conference 2008

Title: Using the Technology of "Second Life"; to Create Virtual Learning Spaces

Name: Bruce A. Montes

Audience Level: Beginning

Audience: Faculty, Instructional Technology Specialists, General

Length: One Hour

Abstract:
Imagine creating a learning space where students can collaborate through the technology of real‐time discussions, instant messaging, and e‐mail. Add in audio and video resources and put it all in a three‐dimensional virtual world to create a new learning space. Many colleges and Universities are beginning to use the technology of "Second Life";, an Internet‐based virtual world, to explore the possibilities. The speaker will provide an overview of Second Life and how some colleges and Universities are using it.

Description:
Many of today's undergraduate students are used to a life with access to a surplus of information technologies. It appears that undergraduate students personally own and regularly use technology. A recent study of undergraduate students and information technology conducted by Educause, a non‐profit association working to promote the intelligent use of information technology, found that students participating in the study averaged 18 hours per week doing online activities for school work and recreatin (Educause, http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ERS0706/ekf0706.pdf, 5). Many colleges and Universities are attempting to explore how different technologies may be applied in academic environments. The speaker will provide the audience with a one‐hour overview of one of these types of technologies, "Second Life";, an Internet -based virtual world. A number of educators are using "Second Life"; to explore opportunities for integrating student experiences with technology in the learning environment. The focus of the presentation will be to; offer a description of multiuser virtual environments (MUVE) interfaces such as "Second Life";, provide examples of the use of "Second Life"; including the jargon and some visual examples of its use, supply background about educators in "Second Life"; and how they use the technology in academic settings, and highlight current issues, challenges, and opportunities the technology of "Second Life"; and other like applications may provide. The audience will be encouraged to consider how technologies such as "Second Life"; might lead to the transformation of learning environments and improve on meeting desired learning outcomes.

Session Type: Lecture/Presentation

Contact information/affiliation:
Bruce A. Montes
Director, Academic Technology Services
Loyola University Chicago
bmontes@luc.edu
773)508‐7601

Equipment: Projection for PowerPoint Presentation with audio and video capabilities (e.g. web‐based video such as Windows Media Player, Flash, QuickTime). Internet connect capabilities optional.

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