I am interested in sharing opinions and collaborating with those who are using virtual reality platforms–I currently use Second Life–to explore VR’s pedagogical possibilites. This includes collaborating on research dealing with the relationships between real and imagined spaces in our laboratory and teaching space called Cibola. I am also interested in examingin how VR can serve as a platform for innovative credit and non credit distance learning projects. Once such project is one we are going to launch in February, a collaboration with a cultural center in Spain to offer certficates in Spanish creative writing in Second Life. The project will use their personnel and our space in Second Life to provide access to a product that has a considerable amount of interest but which is not readily accesible to may who want to take these kinds of courses. I am interested in seeing if there are others who are working on similar projects.
I’ve never taught with or in a virtual world before, and I’ve kind of wondered if tools like Second Life are a bit passé at this point in time. I’m glad to know that they aren’t and I’d be interested to see what others are doing in this space.
I haven’t used or taught with SL or other VR spaces, and would be interested in learning more, if people won’t be impatient explaining to a newbie.