The presenter explained how they started their web based
virtual world, CybaLounge, which can run in every major
browser.
The following features and benefits were discussed
General benefits
Benefits for educators
Basic features
Communication features
Security features and
Advanced features.
The presenter further explained that in future the
avatars will have finger movements and facial expressions.
I have not yet connected with the presenter but with other
participants on the chat box. We were provided with
addresses which I used to enter the virtual world and I was
so impressed. Some of the questions I had were
answered through FAQs .
As a Physical Science teacher, I had questions relating the
number and safety of learners for practical work , and the
cost of apparata. The major question of having practical
work was answered by the presenter when he talked about
the physics engine, where simulations behave as in real life.
My interest to learn to teach online was enhanced. I think
through virtual worlds learners will not feel isolated as I
thought before.
I am fascinated by the way virtual worlds are leading teaching
and learning were teachers will be elated to teach and learners
excited to learn.
The major challenge in countries like mine is the infrastructure.
The cost of data is still too high, more especially for low income
communities.
I believe that access of data is no more a want but a need just
like water. Data need to be freely available to all and teachers
to be retrained.
I am inspired to learn more about online teaching and learning
which includes the use of virtual worlds.
I would like to understand more about virtual world especially
web based virtual worlds.
Friday 20 September 2019
Biker Librarians Hit the Road
Date:15 September 2019
Presenter: Dr Valerie Hill (Valibrarian in SL)
Event: Virtual World MOOC 2019
Where: Online
Biker Librarian Hit the Road is about metaliteracy while biking from North Fall Rez up the hill to North Fall City.The bikers were given instructions by Valibrarian before they left the starting points. Among the instructions was that they should read signs along the roads and they were warned not to be too fast as they may fall from the rails.
Viewers outside second life, were lead Maggie Larimore as she biked up the hill. The bikers passed through interesting places like Secoya and then a place were they tunnelled below the ocean.
Finally the city was reached were discussions were continued, and my main take home was that children in the future will easily juggle between the real world and the virtual world while appreciating both worlds.
Connection with the Presenter and/or Participants
I was active through the zoom chat with other participants. I also enjoyed Valibrarian second life slide show.
Questions During the Event
While watching Maggie riding up the road, I was asking myself if it was safe, more especially as she passes through the bridges.
How the content relates to me as a learner and a teacher
At some times, I was relating this to computer games, although I have not played the games, but I was thinking of falling over or getting lost.
How I Felt During the Presentation
Although I was watching from outside Second Life, I felt so scared as if I was inside, The heights, bridges and the sand made me feel very uncomfortable.
The Challenge in The Implementation
It will take me some time before I can talk about the implementation. I still need to overcome the uncomfortable experience I had in the virtual world. My time will come.
Step to be taken to resolve the challenge
My fear for the unknown are gradually fading away as I read more about the virtual worlds and I am being encouraged by other participants to learn from the inside. Hopefully I will overcome this challenge soon.
What I would like to do in the future as a result of this event
I will keep on reading about how to get information about virtual worlds more especially the information relevant to K-12.
What I would like to research as a result of the event
I think understanding how the brain works will help a lot in understanding the virtual worlds better.
Saturday 7 September 2019
Title: Virtual World Education Overview For Newcomers
Date: 2 September 2019
Presenter: Dr Nan Zingrone
Event: Virtual World MOOC 2019
Where: Online
Description of the event
Dr Zingrone dealt with the history of distance learning and the advice to newcomers on how to get information and resources in Second Life. Although she dealt with Second life, The advice could work in other Virtual Worlds.
According to Dr Zingrone, the first advertisement was for teaching shorthand on a penny postcard by Caleb Philipps in 1728. The distance learning programs improved over the years until they were significantly improved by the radio and television. The first Universities telecommunication conference was in 1980.
The first virtual World was from the University of California for students of Virtual Campus Supercomputer Center (VCSC) students only. Today there are a number of virtual worlds.
Dr Zingrone concluded by giving advice on how to find resources, finding people and finding one’s looks.
The question that came into my mind is “how the world could be a better place if learning could be in the virtual world, where all learners, irrespective of their background could l earn together.
How the content relates to me as a learner and a teacher
Personally as a science I see many possibilities like virtual laboratories, which will make practicals save and cost effective.On the other hand, I cannot see this happening in third world countries as some still lacks basic internet connections.
How I Felt During the Presentation
The fact that people can meet each other, under the same roof, though virtually made me feel good. I strongly feel that, if the educational systems can go this route, then we will be able to overcome inequality in education.
The Challenge in The Implementation
There’s still a lot to learn before I can implement or introduce virtual world in my area. We still lack some infrastructure and we still have to go a long way as teachers.
Step to be taken to resolve the challenge
For now, I need to inform all my contacts about the importance of virtual learning and develop local learning network to assist each other.
What I would like to do in the future as a result of this event
I would like to learn the basic skills for virtual world, so that I should not have any doubts to join other participants in the next MOOC.
What I would like to research as a result of the event
As I have mentioned earlier, I need to improve my skills in controlling the movements of the avatar and do some research on survival skills in virtual worlds.
Monday 13 June 2016
Reading on Paper or Digital Screen
Date: 30 May 2016
Presenter: Dr Nellie Deutsch
Course: MOODLE MOOC 8
Where: Online (WizIQ)
Description of the event
Reading on paper or digital screen webinar was presented by Dr Nellie Deutsch online on WizIQ on 30 May 2016.
Reading according to Dr Deutsch is anything based on text. We read a multiple screen or paper.
We were not born to read and our brains have developed due to reading and writing. We need to read in order to develop and share information. The more we read the more our brains develops.
There is no difference in our brains as we read from screen or paper and the pleasure of reading from paper or screen depends on individuals.
Dr Deutsch cited Goleman who said “We learn best with focused attention”.
The destruction that may challenge our reading can be either sensory or personal.
Connection with the Presenter and/or Participants
I was active on the chatboard and moreover I follow Dr Deutsch on twitter and facebook.
Questions During the Event
Where could we have been if we did not learn to read and write?
How I Felt During the Presentation
I felt good since reading takes a major part of my life.
Thoughts that went through my mind
The Thoughts that went through my mind is that through writing and reading we understand ourselves and the universe better.
The Challenge in The Implementation
We need to learn to share and collaborate effectively. The challenge we face is to be able to differentiate what is authentic from what we read because anybody can write and publish publicly.
What I would like to do in the future
Realizing how one learn effectively by writing reviews of what one has learned, I would like to gain confidence in publishing what I write so as to instil reading to all around me.
Questions I would like to research
I would like to know the effective way of reading without distractions and how to read speedily with understanding.
