Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Something New for 2009

2009 marks the start of a new discussion series on Info Island. Real Librarians in Second Life. Each month we will explore the diversity of library careers by having a librarian speak about their real life library jobs, experiences, and involvement in Second Life.

Biblio Latte, military librarian with over 20 years experience will kick off this series. She has worked in academic and post libraries all over the United States and been deployed to Hungary and Bosnia. This is an excellent opportunity for librarians and library students in Second Life to learn about different career paths and to ask questions.

Please join us at the Info Island Auditorium on January 20th, 2009 at 6:00 PM SLT (Pacific time) for the first of this exciting new series!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Certifcate Program in Virtual worlds

Announcement: Certificate Program in Virtual Worlds
The University of Washington's Information School, in partnership withUniversity of Washington Educational Outreach, is excited to announcethe start of a new certificate program in Virtual Worlds. The programis a series of three consecutive courses, each 10 weeks and 3 credits,the first of which begins on January 8th, 2009. The program continuesthrough the Summer quarter, completing August 27th, 2009. Enrollment isopen to graduate students, undergraduates, and working professionals.The classes will all meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6-9pm SLT(PT). Students will participate synchronously in virtual environments.The first class session meets in Second Life; students will also havethe opportunity to explore different Virtual Worlds platforms in use ineducational and business domains. Classes will include a combination ofexperiences including lecture, guest speakers, "field trips", andhands-on interactive activities. Each course includes a unique focus ondifferent facets of the implementation and use of virtual environments,and each successive course builds on the concepts of the previous. Theprogram objectives include both practical application of virtual worldsand an increased academic insight. Non-matriculated students whosuccessfully complete the three consecutive courses will receive a UWEOCertificate in Virtual Worlds. For additional information or to register:http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_gen.asp
Or contact:Kristi PalmerProgram Manager, Academic ProgramsUniversity of Washington Educational Outreach206.221.0299kpalmer@EXTN.washington.edu
Program information:The courses in this program will combine enrollments of workingprofessionals seeking to apply Virtual Worlds inline with professionaldevelopment, and matriculated graduate and undergraduate students fromthe University of Washington's Information School. Program information may be found:http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_gen.asp
Admission requirements:Participation in the program is restricted to students who have a) completed at least one year of college- or university-level study, b) attained computer literacy and are able to download and installsoftware from a website, c) experience in the use of basic internet applications (e.g., e-mail,web browsers and search) and computer operating systems (e.g., Windows,Mac OS, and Linux), and d) a valid e-mail account for the duration of the program.
English Proficiency: Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to haveadequate English language proficiency. Recommended Second Life skills:In order to gain the most value from your initial experiences in thevirtual classroom, we recommend that you establish a Second Lifeaccount, create an avatar, and become familiar with some basic skills inSecond Life, including:* Ability to comfortably walk, sit, turn, fly, and teleport * Ability to control the SL camera view* Ability to change your avatar's appearance and dress * Ability to use Second Life communication tools including IM, textchat, and voice chatSystem requirements:
For general guidelines on system requirements, seehttp://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php
This program will rely on in-world voice chat; a headset with microphone is required for voice/audio participation.
Course information:Selecting and Using Virtual WorldsWinter Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, Jan. 8-March 12, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg # 97795
Instructor: Randy Hinrichs
Description:Apply and combine concepts, processes, issues and skills frominformation management techniques, technology design and digital cultureformation to virtual worlds. Requires understanding of 3D systemsconcepts, Web markup languages, and end-user programming tools. Studentsanalyze three virtual world platforms, examining design methods anduser-centric design for human-information interaction. This is an integrative course that provides problem-solving opportunities andhands-on development for information students, requiring utilization ofknowledge gained from previous information technology studies.

Designing and Building Virtual Worlds Spring Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, April 2-June 4, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg #97796
Instructor: Janice Cowsert Description:Examine and apply concepts, strategies, and skills related to the lifecycle of virtual world planning, design, and product development. Focus on concepts of usability, architectural design, knowledge management andurban community factors. This course involves conceptual frameworks indesign, graphic relevance, and social networking practices that ensurethe scalability, reliability, and availability of 3D immersiveenvironments. Emphasis us given to Internet-based services for storingand accessing information to be used in integrated virtual worlddevelopment. This is an integrative course that builds onproblem-solving techniques learned in the Winter course and examinescomprehensive factors for designing and building immersive informationplatforms, requiring utilization of knowledge gained from previousinformation technology studies and organizational experience.
Virtual Worlds Interactivity and Metrics
Summer Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions) Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT, June 25-August 27, 2009, $789. 3 credits. Reg. #97797
Instructor: Randy Hinrichs
Description:Examine methods for interactivity and use evaluation techniquesinvolving human factors, cognition, gaming strategies, performancetracking and feedback systems that ensure the 'stickiness' and definedvalue in virtual worlds. Ensure strategies and tool selection processfor interactivity factors and evaluation methods. Focus on databasemanagement techniques and programming for storage, retrieval, networkbalance and transactional interchange. This is an integrative coursethat builds on design and delivery techniques learned in the Springcourse and examines comprehensive factors for creating interactivity andmetrics in immersive information platforms, requiring utilization ofknowledge gained from previous information technology studies and organizational experience.

Friday, December 12, 2008

Stepping Into Science in Virtual Worlds Conference

For Immediate Release Contact Information
John S Howard, Conference Host
Dec. 9, 2008 309.938-4644
JPHoward7@gmail.com

“Stepping into Science” Next in Popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” Series

Using virtual worlds to teach and promote a love of science is the topic of the next installment of the popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” conference series, to be offered January 16th, 2009 in the virtual world of Second Life. Hundreds of people have attended this series, which began with “Stepping into History” in June and has included conferences focusing on literature and on healthcare. The series is sponsored by Alliance Library System and LearningTimes. The day-long conference is open to the public, with more information available at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org. It will take place entirely in the virtual world of Second Life.

“Many believe that the next step for the Internet is going 3-D” notes John Howard, conference director. “These workshops are intended to give people a glimpse into the possibilities available when people can actually “step into” the web, rather than just reading about it.”

During this conference, participants will make virtual “field trips” to some of the best and most creative locations in Second Life that are using virtual worlds to promote science. During these field trips, they may be able to speak with those responsible for creating the simulations, and have time to explore them on their own. One field trip for this conference is Genome Island, a simulation where visitors can learn about genetics in various ways including actually entering a giant cell. Another will allow participants to experience a life-size tsunami as it crashes ashore, destroying all the buildings on the beach.

Some other features of this conference will include:
· A keynote presentation by Troy McConaghy. Troy's educational background is in physics, applied mathematics, space exploration, and astrodynamics. He's been involved with science-related projects in Second Life for over three years and was a founding member of the SciLands, Second Life's science-themed continent.
· Breakout sessions presented by scientists using virtual worlds for collaborative work, and teachers using virtual worlds as a teaching tool.
· A panel discussion, allowing participants to question and interact with a variety of experts in the use of virtual worlds in the promotion of science.

"Second Life is a great communications tool for scientists and science educators," according to Troy McConaghy, keynote speaker, "because it combines audio, video, 3D models, simulations, and real-time interaction under one immersive interface. It's changing the way science is advanced and taught. This conference will give you a glimpse at the cutting edge of this new technology."

Those participating in the conference will also be invited to be part of a live audience for “Science Friday,” the popular NPR radio show that is hosted in Second Life and broadcast live to radio stations across the United States.

The participants at a virtual world conference participate from their own computer, while an ‘avatar,’ or virtual representative of them, navigates through the 3-D environments and interacts with other avatars. Howard points out, however, that there is nothing virtual about the interactions at these conferences. “Behind every avatar is a person” he says. “And the networking and learning that can happen, with people from all over the world, is very real.”

Alliance Library System, co-sponsor of the “Stepping Into” series, is a multi-type library system headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois. Alliance has been a leader in developing ways for libraries to expand their missions and serve patrons in virtual worlds. Alliance is on the web at www.alliancelibrarysystem.com.

LearningTimes, is the leading producer of online communities and online conferences for education and training. Their clients and partners include educational and cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, associations and membership groups. LearningTimes provides the training, platforms, applications and expertise these organizations need to make their conferences a success. More information about LearningTimes can be found at www.learningtimes.net.

The cost for this day-long conference is $65, and participants may register for the conference at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org.

Stepping Into Science in Virtual Worlds Conference

For Immediate Release Contact Information
John S Howard, Conference Host
Dec. 9, 2008 309.938-4644
JPHoward7@gmail.com

“Stepping into Science” Next in Popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” Series

Using virtual worlds to teach and promote a love of science is the topic of the next installment of the popular “Stepping into Virtual Worlds” conference series, to be offered January 16th, 2009 in the virtual world of Second Life. Hundreds of people have attended this series, which began with “Stepping into History” in June and has included conferences focusing on literature and on healthcare. The series is sponsored by Alliance Library System and LearningTimes. The day-long conference is open to the public, with more information available at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org. It will take place entirely in the virtual world of Second Life.

“Many believe that the next step for the Internet is going 3-D” notes John Howard, conference director. “These workshops are intended to give people a glimpse into the possibilities available when people can actually “step into” the web, rather than just reading about it.”

During this conference, participants will make virtual “field trips” to some of the best and most creative locations in Second Life that are using virtual worlds to promote science. During these field trips, they may be able to speak with those responsible for creating the simulations, and have time to explore them on their own. One field trip for this conference is Genome Island, a simulation where visitors can learn about genetics in various ways including actually entering a giant cell. Another will allow participants to experience a life-size tsunami as it crashes ashore, destroying all the buildings on the beach.

Some other features of this conference will include:
· A keynote presentation by Troy McConaghy. Troy's educational background is in physics, applied mathematics, space exploration, and astrodynamics. He's been involved with science-related projects in Second Life for over three years and was a founding member of the SciLands, Second Life's science-themed continent.
· Breakout sessions presented by scientists using virtual worlds for collaborative work, and teachers using virtual worlds as a teaching tool.
· A panel discussion, allowing participants to question and interact with a variety of experts in the use of virtual worlds in the promotion of science.

"Second Life is a great communications tool for scientists and science educators," according to Troy McConaghy, keynote speaker, "because it combines audio, video, 3D models, simulations, and real-time interaction under one immersive interface. It's changing the way science is advanced and taught. This conference will give you a glimpse at the cutting edge of this new technology."

Those participating in the conference will also be invited to be part of a live audience for “Science Friday,” the popular NPR radio show that is hosted in Second Life and broadcast live to radio stations across the United States.

The participants at a virtual world conference participate from their own computer, while an ‘avatar,’ or virtual representative of them, navigates through the 3-D environments and interacts with other avatars. Howard points out, however, that there is nothing virtual about the interactions at these conferences. “Behind every avatar is a person” he says. “And the networking and learning that can happen, with people from all over the world, is very real.”

Alliance Library System, co-sponsor of the “Stepping Into” series, is a multi-type library system headquartered in East Peoria, Illinois. Alliance has been a leader in developing ways for libraries to expand their missions and serve patrons in virtual worlds. Alliance is on the web at www.alliancelibrarysystem.com.

LearningTimes, is the leading producer of online communities and online conferences for education and training. Their clients and partners include educational and cultural institutions, non-profit organizations, associations and membership groups. LearningTimes provides the training, platforms, applications and expertise these organizations need to make their conferences a success. More information about LearningTimes can be found at www.learningtimes.net.

The cost for this day-long conference is $65, and participants may register for the conference at www.steppingintovirtualworlds.org.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Library Technology Working Group Launches Dec. 5

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EVENT: LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES ON FRIDAY DEC 5th @ 12pm ET
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Visit http://ImmersiveEducation.org/events/ on the day of this event for meeting materials (such as images and videos) and additional details ............................................................................

WHAT: Library Technology Working Group (LIB.TWG) [LAUNCH EVENT]
WHEN: Friday December 05, 2008 from 12-1pm ET (9-10am Pacific / SL time)
WHERE: Second Life http://slurl.com/secondlife/Smithers%20Bluff/35/205/89

OVERVIEW:

The Library Technology Working Group (LIB.TWG) is responsible for defining, implementing, evolving and maintaining applications and open standards related to the provision of library services associated with Immersive Education.

In the age of Immersive Education libraries are challenged to provide resources and personalized research and learning services that transcend physical space.
Scholarly communication that once depended on printed books and journals is now network disseminated and enriched with the spectrum of multimedia—moving and still photo/video images, sound, animation, immersive 3D and virtual reality, simulation, executable code, large data sets—as well as interactive communication among reviewers and readers. Pedagogy that was predominantly an independent and competitive process for students outside class now makes greater use of collaboration, cooperation, and group study.

In addition to a changed learning and research environment, librarians face continually changing sources for the digital literature and other assets they acquire and make available, and continually changing tools for scholars to locate and use these resources. Management of the library enterprise is characterized by more complex and intense communication among librarians, and the delivery of library services is distinguished by the need for direct, personalized advice on what is available and instruction on how to use it.

Although library practice has been deeply technological for thirty years or more, and a cornerstone of research and course delivery, it is now constrained by the traditions of physical services in real buildings. Similarly, working relations among library staff and with consortial partners depend on traditional modes of email, telephone and process control systems. Certainly, ample opportunity exists to enable vastly greater efficiencies in communication through the use of virtual reality meetings and consultations.

The Library Technology Working Group is chartered to project library services beyond the limits of the brick and mortar physical plant through the application of interactive 3D graphics and animation, open video game and simulation technology, virtual reality, voice over IP, web cams and other rich digital media. These technologies can be leveraged today toward the creation of virtual collaborative study spaces, virtual information literacy programs, virtual research and course consultations, virtual interlibrary document management, and virtual service delivery to name just a few possibilities.




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Visit http://ImmersiveEducation.org/events/ on the day of this event for meeting materials (such as images and videos) and additional details ............................................................................

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EVENT: LIBRARY TECHNOLOGY WORKING GROUP LAUNCHES ON FRIDAY DEC 5th @ 12pm ET
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LIS Educators in Second Life meeting location change

LIS Educators and those interested in LIS education in virtual worlds: The Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois and the Alliance Library System invite you to join us in forming an LIS Educators in Second Life group. We propose meeting on Wednesday, December 10 at 3:00 pm SL time or 5:00 pm central time. The first meeting will be held using the OPAL (Online Programming for all Libraries) auditorium to facilitate participation by those not in SL. Subsequent meetings will be held in SL. For those already in SL as an LIS educator, we invite you to share your experiences. For those who aren't in SL, but perhaps would like to be there in the future, we welcome your questions. We invite our colleagues from other countries to join if the time is convenient. Please bring your ideas on the pedagogical value/concerns/challenges of SL (and other virtual worlds) in LIS education. An RSVP to me isn't necessary but would be appreciated. If you have an avatar, please let us know that also. Here's the link to the OPAL Auditorium: http://www.conference321.com/masteradmin/room.asp?id=rs1641902f62b4 Info and tips for first-time users of OPAL can be found at: http://www.opal-online.org/firsttimetips.htm Marianne Marianne SteadleyContinuing Professional Development Program Director501 E. Daniel St. Champaign IL 61820217/244-2751Fax: 217/244-3302

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

LIS Educators in Virtual Worlds

LIS Educators: The Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois and the Alliance Library System invite you to join us in forming an LIS Educators in Second Life group. We propose meeting on Wednesday, December 10 at 3:00 pm SL time in the Open Air Auditorium on Information Island. Please bring your ideas on the pedagogical value/concerns/challenges of SL (and other virtual worlds) in LIS education.