pcs-tech.net

Technology for Pender County Teachers and Beyond

Online Course: Networking, Collaboration, and Learning in Second Life

Posted in on April 14, 2009

Overview

This course is designed for educators who want to familiarize themselves with multi-user virtual environments, or MUVE’s. In this course we’ll explore one such “world” known as Second Life. The focus of this course will be the use of virtual worlds as a tool to enhance professional networking and collaboration and their potential as an educational tool. Participants in this course will explore some of the innovative ways Second Life is being used in education while learning the basics of life in a virtual world. Together we’ll embark on weekly virtual field trips to explore key education-oriented landmarks in Second Life while communicating by voice in real time. Weekly forum discussions about the latest news and research regarding MUVE’s in education will also be a key component of the course.

About The Instructor:

My name is Lucas Gillispie. This is my tenth year working in public education. For the last nine years, I taught high school Biology, but just over a year ago, took a position as the instructional technology coordinator for my school system. I recently completed my Master’s Degree in Instructional Technology from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. I have a passion for education and technology and am a self-proclaimed computer geek and an avid video gamer and virtual worlds enthusiast.

Contact Information:

Email Address: lucas_gillispie@pender.k12.nc.us
Skype: lucas.gillispie
Twitter: PCSTech
Online Office Hours: Weekly, one hour prior to class, and via Skype as needed and I’m available.

Course Goals

  • Identify key features of MUVE’s and list current examples.
  • Describe the pros and cons of using a virtual platform for collaboration and education.
  • Discuss the educational potential of MUVE’s.
  • Design a personal avatar in Second Life.
  • Demonstrate basic navigation in Second Life.
  • Demonstrate the basic communication procedures in Second Life.

    • Required Texts

    There are no required texts for this course. All required readings will be available online.

    Glossary

    The glossary contains terminology used in the course.  Some of the words in the course will link to the glossary.  Read through the glossary each week.

    Required Software

    • You will need access to a web browser (IE or Firefox are recommended).
    • Second Life: In the course, you will be asked to download, install the software, and create an account (yes, it’s free).

    Optional but Recommended Software

    • Image editing software will come in handy if you want to take some pictures while exploring Second Life Any image editor will do, or if you are looking for a “free” solution, try Picasa. Another great option, slightly more advanced is GIMP.
    • An Office Suite might come in handy as well. MS Office or Google Documents will do, or you can download OpenOffice for free.
    • Skype, a free, online messaging system, which will allow you to easily contact me when I’m online such as during office hours.

    Required Hardware

    Course Set-Up and Meeting Times

    The course is set up in weeks with weekly overviews and assignments. The majority of this class will be conducted asynchronously online in the course discussion forums, however, we will have a Second Life virtual classroom meeting each Thursday night at 7:00PM EST beginning the second week of the course.

    Cost

    This course is free for Pender County employees.

    How You will Be Evaluated

    Grading is complete/incomplete. You must attend all field trips and participate in the discussions to receive a complete in this course.

    What Is Second Life?

    Here’s a video that provides a brief overview:

    pcs-tech.net © 2006-2007

    On Twitter: