I was not sure what to expect when starting this class. I can safely say though that it has been a great experience. Even though most of us resist getting out of our comfort zone, it is often a good thing and can lead to great ideas. There were many times at the beginning of a project that I would have that anxious panicked feeling that I wasn't going to be creative enough to complete the assignment appropriately...that never happened. I surprised myself with how creative I could be and felt great satisfaction when the projects were complete.
I can see now how virtual worlds can be a great tool to educators. I don't see K-12 going virtual quite yet, but can see how aspects of the 9-12 range could get there some time. In my opinion though, K-12 kids SHOULD still be in the classroom the majority of the time, but could possibly have virtual sessions while at school.
My future in SL is still unknown. I think it's a neat tool, but with trying to finish my degree I'm not sure how much time I'll have to explore right how. I'd love to keep learning about building...it's kind of addicting! The last of my 7 places seems like a great place to continue learning.
Thanks for a great experience!! ;-)
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Seven Wonders of Second Life
1) The Abyss Observatory - I chose this site because I was so captivated by the scenery. It is also a great educational tool for learning about undersea happenings, but I couldn't stop watching the animations...sooo real! I was a little uneasy having Killer Whales swim right next to me.
2) Sploland - I chose this place because there were so many other resources provided. Many things here were interactive and ready to use, but the wealth of other resources was what attracted me the most.
3) The Tech Virtual - I saw some things here that I'd been hoping to find all along....one of them being the electrons moving around the hydrogen and oxygen atoms of water showing the bonding. It was also great to see a place that was there to help visitors learn to build these kinds of things.
4) Upward Bound Math & Science Island - I chose this place primarily because it was aimed at high schoolers, math, and science. It also provided resources for careers and college. Check out that aspirin molecule...there's one for caffeine off in the distance.
5) Genome Island - I loved this one because it was so interactive. The picture below shows where visitors can test their knowledge of protein synthesis during translation of DNA. There were several examples like this on the island.
6) Green Expo on OneClimate Island - I was initially drawn to the Carbon Dioxide Calculator. Visitors are able to click and be directed to a website that calculates their carbon dioxide 'footprint'. I like to make sure students know that what they do can have an impact...I will add this site to my resources for sure.
7) Happy Hippo Building School - I SOOOO wish I would have found this place sooner. It has free tutorials about how to build things in SL. There are also a variety of textures, scripts, and objects displayed...some are free, others are for purchase. Awesome resource! I would suggest adding it to ones you give out.
2) Sploland - I chose this place because there were so many other resources provided. Many things here were interactive and ready to use, but the wealth of other resources was what attracted me the most.
3) The Tech Virtual - I saw some things here that I'd been hoping to find all along....one of them being the electrons moving around the hydrogen and oxygen atoms of water showing the bonding. It was also great to see a place that was there to help visitors learn to build these kinds of things.
4) Upward Bound Math & Science Island - I chose this place primarily because it was aimed at high schoolers, math, and science. It also provided resources for careers and college. Check out that aspirin molecule...there's one for caffeine off in the distance.
5) Genome Island - I loved this one because it was so interactive. The picture below shows where visitors can test their knowledge of protein synthesis during translation of DNA. There were several examples like this on the island.
6) Green Expo on OneClimate Island - I was initially drawn to the Carbon Dioxide Calculator. Visitors are able to click and be directed to a website that calculates their carbon dioxide 'footprint'. I like to make sure students know that what they do can have an impact...I will add this site to my resources for sure.
7) Happy Hippo Building School - I SOOOO wish I would have found this place sooner. It has free tutorials about how to build things in SL. There are also a variety of textures, scripts, and objects displayed...some are free, others are for purchase. Awesome resource! I would suggest adding it to ones you give out.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Immersing Myself in Second Life
I had some trouble at first deciding what do to my project on. I knew I wanted to do something science related because that's what I teach, but I couldn't decide what direction to take. As I went through the Nature Scapes bundle, I came across the scape with all of the leaves changing color and thought of all of the science that goes into the changing of seasons. Then I tried to think of other aspects of science in addition to the Chemistry that I'm more comfortable with. So that's where the hibernating, migrating, and adapting animals came to my mind. Finally, I thought of all of the talk lately about flu shots and the science that goes into them.
I started by making the prims for the floor of the scape with the fall leaves texture and then put the large buildings on top. At first I tried just eyeballing them and lining them up that way...that didn't last long. Eventually, I got pretty good at using the X, Y, and Z coordinates to size and position the prims so that they lined up better. Once the large buildings were built, I searched for free textures that looked rustic and fall-ish.
The building above is the elevated building. I hollowed out a cylinder and cut a path so that there was an entrance. The roof for this one is a cone that I made a little bigger than the cylinder with the X, Y coordinates for size. The stairs to this building allowed me to use a new skill that I learned while searching for building tips online...the 'copy selection' option in the build menu. I was able to select this option and then just click on the edge of the prim I wanted to copy and the new prim would appear perfectly lined up with the original. I only had to position the very top stair and the rest I was able to 'copy selection' and then add a texture. So easy! Minus the frustration of lining everything up! ;-) Below is a pic of me building the stairs.
The other two buildings were a little more difficult because they were more prims. The welcome sign was also made at this time and a rotation script was added.
With the basics of the buildings done and the textures selected, I went and found door textures and made doors for each. I had trouble getting the door to pivot in the right spot on its own, so I made a tall thin rectangular prim to give the script to and then link it to the door prim. This 'hinge' made the doors work the way I had intended. The next prims I made were for the educational URL's and media. I selected elements in several forms (article, website, video) to keep visitors engaged. The questions for the welcome notecard were made at this time.
Once the large buildings were done and educational elements were added, I went 'shopping'. Most of what I found was free, but I guess you'd still call it shopping. I found Sky High Freebies...SO much free stuff to choose from! And big things too! I just kept adding more and more to my inventory just in case I found a need for it.
After shopping, I went back to my scape and started adding elements of immersion. See pictures below of my completed scape. Do you feel like you're in a fall scape?
I added the barrels in the picture above because I didn't want visitors to fall off the edge of my scape. I kept feeling like I was going to fall out since the walls let you through. I added them one at a time on one of the edges and then linked, 'shift' copied, and rotated them to get the other edge.
The flag you see in this picture was one of the last things that I added. I made the pole first and then used the 'copy selection' option to make another cylinder that lined up exactly with the first. I then made the second cylinder wider and shorter to make the base. I also tapered the top of the base and gave it a concrete texture. Making the flag itself gave me an opportunity to change the flexible path settings. It took me a little bit to figure it, but I feel like I got something that resembles a flag in some kind of motion.
I thought the bear rug and fire place (with tools) added very rustic elements to this room.
I thought the book shelves and couches (and the cot and doctor's bench next to it) were things that gave a doctor's office feel.
The places to sit in this learning center were rustic fall colors. I used the website that is linked to this room to make the Tagxedo wall hanging behind the couch. Also in fall colors.
This project was challenging. At times it was overwhelming to think of all of the things that I wanted/needed to do. Once I had that all worked out though, it was hard to stop adding elements! I was able to use all of what I've learned in CED 551 and add some new skills that I discovered along the way. I hope you enjoy my Science of Fall Scape!
I started by making the prims for the floor of the scape with the fall leaves texture and then put the large buildings on top. At first I tried just eyeballing them and lining them up that way...that didn't last long. Eventually, I got pretty good at using the X, Y, and Z coordinates to size and position the prims so that they lined up better. Once the large buildings were built, I searched for free textures that looked rustic and fall-ish.
The other two buildings were a little more difficult because they were more prims. The welcome sign was also made at this time and a rotation script was added.
With the basics of the buildings done and the textures selected, I went and found door textures and made doors for each. I had trouble getting the door to pivot in the right spot on its own, so I made a tall thin rectangular prim to give the script to and then link it to the door prim. This 'hinge' made the doors work the way I had intended. The next prims I made were for the educational URL's and media. I selected elements in several forms (article, website, video) to keep visitors engaged. The questions for the welcome notecard were made at this time.
Once the large buildings were done and educational elements were added, I went 'shopping'. Most of what I found was free, but I guess you'd still call it shopping. I found Sky High Freebies...SO much free stuff to choose from! And big things too! I just kept adding more and more to my inventory just in case I found a need for it.
After shopping, I went back to my scape and started adding elements of immersion. See pictures below of my completed scape. Do you feel like you're in a fall scape?
This project was challenging. At times it was overwhelming to think of all of the things that I wanted/needed to do. Once I had that all worked out though, it was hard to stop adding elements! I was able to use all of what I've learned in CED 551 and add some new skills that I discovered along the way. I hope you enjoy my Science of Fall Scape!
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Assignment 8-2: Reflection
At first I had some anxiety about what my space was going to look like and what the theme would be. I have always had trouble when it comes to getting started being creative. Everything usually turns out great, but ever since I can remember I've had anxious feelings when such a project begins. Once I got into this though, I kept having more and more ideas. I would make something and then change my mind or have a better idea and start over.
I loved using the scripts. Using the script generator and just searching for them online was fairly easy once I got the hang of it. At first I had trouble with the notecard giver script but then realized that the notecard had to actually be in the contents folder of the object. Makes total sense now, but at the time I was stumped. I also liked that my classmates were often around as I was building so I could ask questions if I hit a roadblock.
I have a few unresolved issue with my space...First, I added a hovering text script to two of the objects and then tried to delete the script from the object. The Fun Scripts text stayed after I deleted the script from the object though. To fix it I had to add the script again and just remove the text in between the quotes so that nothing showed up. This was the only way I could get it to not show up. The second issue was that two classmates had left prims in my space and I could not remove them. You'll see them in the left side of my picture below. I have sent an IM to each of them to please remove the objects.
I'd like to explore more with moving objects and sounds in the next building activity. I wanted to focus on a few this first time and master them and then add more as we move on.
I loved using the scripts. Using the script generator and just searching for them online was fairly easy once I got the hang of it. At first I had trouble with the notecard giver script but then realized that the notecard had to actually be in the contents folder of the object. Makes total sense now, but at the time I was stumped. I also liked that my classmates were often around as I was building so I could ask questions if I hit a roadblock.
I have a few unresolved issue with my space...First, I added a hovering text script to two of the objects and then tried to delete the script from the object. The Fun Scripts text stayed after I deleted the script from the object though. To fix it I had to add the script again and just remove the text in between the quotes so that nothing showed up. This was the only way I could get it to not show up. The second issue was that two classmates had left prims in my space and I could not remove them. You'll see them in the left side of my picture below. I have sent an IM to each of them to please remove the objects.
I'd like to explore more with moving objects and sounds in the next building activity. I wanted to focus on a few this first time and master them and then add more as we move on.
 |
| This is the space that I created with a fall theme. I included many fall sweets recipes as notecards attached to objects that I created as well as some that I found in SL. |
Assignment 8-2: Readings
Teaching with Second Life
Some of the things that the author talked about reminded me of our class. The voice chat allowing for a quicker interaction is one that sticks out in my mind. If everyone in our class had a microphone I think things might go a little quicker. On the other hand we might interrupt each other more too. I thought it was also a good warning that the author gave about having a computer with adequate capabilities to participate in Second Life. It was great to get the letter at the beginning of the semester telling us what was required in order to be successful in SL.
What Second Life Taught Me about Learning
I never really thought about learning SL according to my learning style, but I guess that's how I've approached it. Many times I need to hear someone explain a concept and see it as well, so I've spent some time looking at things on YouTube and reading step-by-step instructions on blogs and wikis. I felt the exact same way as the author described in paragraph 7. That I wasn't really sure how to find interesting places on my own and didn't move around very well at first. After some practice, research, and exploring, I got better.
Levelling the Educational Playing Field
When the author spoke of the participants in a SL class dropping their inhibitions allowing them to participate more fully in the experience reminded me of myself. I am not one to jump into a conversation in a face-to-face meeting with a group that I hardly know, but in SL it is easier for some reason. I read so much into peoples body language and the look on their face and those are sometimes not directed at me, but I take them personally and often stop interacting. In SL I don't have to worry so much about that because my classmate are putting their feedback in words or I can just hear it and clarify from there.
Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning
I was already familiar with all of the applications that the article talked about. I did enjoy reading the strategies for using each in teaching and learning though. I'm always looking for good new ideas to use in my classroom. I especially liked the discussion on wikis because that is the one that I've probably spent the least amount of time working with. I like that a wiki can house documents, powerpoints, pictures, etc. It bothers me sometimes that the blogs and sites that I maintain do not make it easy to attach documents and powerpoints.
SL Etiquette
Most of this document seemed like common sense to me. One thing that caught me off guard was the talk of trolls. I let out a little chuckle when reading about these pesky little guys. I had no idea of their existence, but will for sure steer clear of them. ;-)
Some of the things that the author talked about reminded me of our class. The voice chat allowing for a quicker interaction is one that sticks out in my mind. If everyone in our class had a microphone I think things might go a little quicker. On the other hand we might interrupt each other more too. I thought it was also a good warning that the author gave about having a computer with adequate capabilities to participate in Second Life. It was great to get the letter at the beginning of the semester telling us what was required in order to be successful in SL.
What Second Life Taught Me about Learning
I never really thought about learning SL according to my learning style, but I guess that's how I've approached it. Many times I need to hear someone explain a concept and see it as well, so I've spent some time looking at things on YouTube and reading step-by-step instructions on blogs and wikis. I felt the exact same way as the author described in paragraph 7. That I wasn't really sure how to find interesting places on my own and didn't move around very well at first. After some practice, research, and exploring, I got better.
Levelling the Educational Playing Field
When the author spoke of the participants in a SL class dropping their inhibitions allowing them to participate more fully in the experience reminded me of myself. I am not one to jump into a conversation in a face-to-face meeting with a group that I hardly know, but in SL it is easier for some reason. I read so much into peoples body language and the look on their face and those are sometimes not directed at me, but I take them personally and often stop interacting. In SL I don't have to worry so much about that because my classmate are putting their feedback in words or I can just hear it and clarify from there.
Using Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning
I was already familiar with all of the applications that the article talked about. I did enjoy reading the strategies for using each in teaching and learning though. I'm always looking for good new ideas to use in my classroom. I especially liked the discussion on wikis because that is the one that I've probably spent the least amount of time working with. I like that a wiki can house documents, powerpoints, pictures, etc. It bothers me sometimes that the blogs and sites that I maintain do not make it easy to attach documents and powerpoints.
SL Etiquette
Most of this document seemed like common sense to me. One thing that caught me off guard was the talk of trolls. I let out a little chuckle when reading about these pesky little guys. I had no idea of their existence, but will for sure steer clear of them. ;-)
Saturday, October 15, 2011
7-2 SL Vacation
Bates Motel
In the spirit of Halloween, the first place I went was the Bates Motel. There were all kinds of spooky places to visit. There was also a corn maze, but in SL it's too easy to cheat and fly above it to see how to get out...plus they've always kind of freaked me out, so I wasn't going to stay in it for long anyway.
In the spirit of Halloween, the first place I went was the Bates Motel. There were all kinds of spooky places to visit. There was also a corn maze, but in SL it's too easy to cheat and fly above it to see how to get out...plus they've always kind of freaked me out, so I wasn't going to stay in it for long anyway.
NOAA Science
This is a great place to learn about the science of weather. Lots of references that are linked here. It was encouraging to see a place like this where students at the lower end of the age requirement for SL might go to find information the Rules of Behavior were posted on every building.
Below is me taking a ride on a weather balloon~
Oddprofessor's Museum and Science Center
Here, students can perform virtual physics experiments. They can collect data and then analyze the data to answer a question. The data collected can also be used to make graphs and solve problems. Some of the experiments were appropriate for high school level physics, while others would be better suited at the college level. Below is a picture of me collecting displacement and time data that could be used in a graph or in calculations to determine whether an object is accelerating or moving with a constant velocity.
The Science School
There were so many science resources here! I loved the ACS build of elements close to where you teleport in. I could click on an element and several facts about it would show in the chat window. I also teleported to the Nuclear Power plant and spent some time inside and flying around outside.
Eiffel Tower
I visited the Eiffel Tower in France and also got to see the Arc de Triomphe. The time period was the early 1900's so when I looked through the viewer at the top of the Tower I could see what Paris looked like then. I was also able to drive an Old Timer Car around the city. It was REALLY slow, but fun to use anyway. There's a picture of what I was able to see through the viewer and of me driving the old time car through the Arc. I tried to get a picture of myself in front of the Tower, but the Tower is too big to get in one camera shot.
Great Wall of China
I visited the Great Wall of China because I've always wanted to visit in real life. I was disappointed that I was unable to fly around on this island. Walking along took a LONG time! I snapped a picture of myself sitting on the wall looking at one of the massive sculptures (you can see me really tiny in the background). I didn't find much to actuall DO here, but it was fun to just take in the sights and explore.
Costa Rica
There were lots of places to visit in Costa Rica...and it rained most everywhere ;)
You were able to get around a few different ways. I just explored mostly by foot and did a little meditating when I got tired. It was really neat to hear all of the sounds of the rain forest and see some of the animals in their 'natural' habitat.
Soraya's Winter Enchantment Public Snow Playground
Even though it isn't quite Christmas time yet, I was able to get in the holiday-way on this island. There were camp fires, snowmen, holiday lights, snow, frozen lakes, etc. that made it feel just like christmas. I took my picture with a group of snowmen...see if you can spot me!
Second Life Botanical Gardens
At the botanical gardens I not only got to see lots of beautiful flowers, I was able to find a gondola and row it to another area. The oar that I was given was invisible, but it looked like I was rowing and I was moving so I guess I had one. I took a picture as I was going across the water.
Chocolate Factory
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory used to really scare me when I was a kid. Visiting this place was kind of like facing a fear...still not all that comfortable with it, but it's good to know I can teleport out if I need to ;-)
It was here that I encountered the first advertisement that I was not comfortable with...I quickly turned around and went the other way.
Dinosaur Park
I was expecting something like Jurassic Park in the Dinosaur Park...maybe it is and I just couldn't figure it out. I had some trouble figuring out the purpose of this island. I did get a picture of my self with a T-Rex and some Raptors though. That's me right behind the sign that says not to climb on the exibits.
Crater Lake - Oregon
Crater Lake was a place that I was able to just explore. There was a great deal of wildlife to observe and I got to take my own canoe out exploring. There were several vehicles that were available for getting around this island in addition to flying. The main purpose here was to explore.
7-1 SL Travel Guide
Virtual Harlem
While visiting Virtual Harlem I did a lot of listening to the 1920's jazz that was playing. In fact, I visited the Cotton Club and danced to Duke Ellington. I also did some other exploring of this historic spot during my visit. While in one of the shops, I got a free Flapper Feather, but when I tried to wear it on my robot avatar it was nearly around my neck instead of on my head. I also saw Langston Huges sitting at a desk writing and listened to Ella Fitzgerald sing.
Check me out busting a move in the Cotton Club below.
ISTE Island
I got so many resources while on ISTE Island! The docent, Thunder, was soooo helpful! She helped me become a member of the ISTE Island group and gave me some great science resources in SL on a notecard. I visited a few of them when I was finished in ISTE Island. She also gave me the name of one of her friends that maintains a page on ISTE Island. Looking forward to visiting this Island again and maybe taking a tour or listening to a session that is offered.
Foul Whisperings Strange Matters
After viewing several of the available notecards on this island I can see that it is dedicated to learning about Shakespeare's Macbeth. This would be a great way for students to learn about and show understanding of this famous play. Here's a picture of me near the throne.
Zoobyland
Zooby's is a place where you can buy all kids of pets...Cats, Dogs, Monkeys, Prehistoric Pets, Wild Animals, or Creatures. These items cost Lindens to purchase, but they are very realistic. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one! I also came upon a place on the island that I was unable to enter...I could see it and fly over it, but was not able to get it. It was like I hit a wall each time I got close. Below is me checking out a cute little Beagle puppy...maybe some day...
Vassar, Sistine Chapel Re-Creation
Vassar is in New York, while the Sistine Chapel is in Vatican City. The views inside the Chapel were amazing! I took a picture below. I also did a little exlporing of the island and found out some things about Vassar College as well.
Virtual Ability
This island helps people with almost any kind of disability be able to escape it for a while. There was a great orientation of SL tour, too! I found a place where you could get all kinds of free stuff. I got a few things to maybe add to my area on FB Island.
International Spaceflight Museum
Here, visitors are able to view spacecraft from the past and spacecraft for the future. It seems that you can even take a ride on a rocket. Pretty neat place with all of these important pieces of space history (and future) all in one place. I also liked that there were seats all over the island that allowed you to teleport from one place to another within the island. There's a picture of me sitting in one below.
AKK Horse Ranch
At the AKK Horse Ranch you can not only buy horses, but also have FUN!! I got my demo horse as instructed and looked at lots of the other horses (that I couldn't afford yet). THEN, I saw a water slide and a pool and swings! I couldn't help myself...check out my ride down the water slide below.
While visiting Virtual Harlem I did a lot of listening to the 1920's jazz that was playing. In fact, I visited the Cotton Club and danced to Duke Ellington. I also did some other exploring of this historic spot during my visit. While in one of the shops, I got a free Flapper Feather, but when I tried to wear it on my robot avatar it was nearly around my neck instead of on my head. I also saw Langston Huges sitting at a desk writing and listened to Ella Fitzgerald sing.
Check me out busting a move in the Cotton Club below.
ISTE Island
I got so many resources while on ISTE Island! The docent, Thunder, was soooo helpful! She helped me become a member of the ISTE Island group and gave me some great science resources in SL on a notecard. I visited a few of them when I was finished in ISTE Island. She also gave me the name of one of her friends that maintains a page on ISTE Island. Looking forward to visiting this Island again and maybe taking a tour or listening to a session that is offered.
Foul Whisperings Strange Matters
After viewing several of the available notecards on this island I can see that it is dedicated to learning about Shakespeare's Macbeth. This would be a great way for students to learn about and show understanding of this famous play. Here's a picture of me near the throne.
Zoobyland
Zooby's is a place where you can buy all kids of pets...Cats, Dogs, Monkeys, Prehistoric Pets, Wild Animals, or Creatures. These items cost Lindens to purchase, but they are very realistic. Maybe one day I'll be able to afford one! I also came upon a place on the island that I was unable to enter...I could see it and fly over it, but was not able to get it. It was like I hit a wall each time I got close. Below is me checking out a cute little Beagle puppy...maybe some day...
Vassar, Sistine Chapel Re-Creation
Vassar is in New York, while the Sistine Chapel is in Vatican City. The views inside the Chapel were amazing! I took a picture below. I also did a little exlporing of the island and found out some things about Vassar College as well.
Virtual Ability
This island helps people with almost any kind of disability be able to escape it for a while. There was a great orientation of SL tour, too! I found a place where you could get all kinds of free stuff. I got a few things to maybe add to my area on FB Island.
International Spaceflight Museum
Here, visitors are able to view spacecraft from the past and spacecraft for the future. It seems that you can even take a ride on a rocket. Pretty neat place with all of these important pieces of space history (and future) all in one place. I also liked that there were seats all over the island that allowed you to teleport from one place to another within the island. There's a picture of me sitting in one below.
AKK Horse Ranch
At the AKK Horse Ranch you can not only buy horses, but also have FUN!! I got my demo horse as instructed and looked at lots of the other horses (that I couldn't afford yet). THEN, I saw a water slide and a pool and swings! I couldn't help myself...check out my ride down the water slide below.
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