Title: Web Based Virtual Worlds Coming of Age

Date: 18 September 2019

Presenter: Dieter Heyne (Avatar: Edward Tarber)

Event: Virtual World MOOC 2019

Where: Online

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.

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.

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.

Connection with the Presenter and/or Participants

I have not connected with the presenter or the participants but
I have visited the presenter and her husband website,
“The Alvarado Zingrone Institute for Research and Education”
and hope to revisit to read more about Second Life.

Questions During the Event

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.