Registration is now open for the Mainstreaming Virtual World Learning Colloquium @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mainstreaming-virtual-world-learning-colloquium-registration-5251225456.... The Colloquium is a free event -- on December 1, 2018 (9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Central Time) -- in the AvaCon Grid Quaternary Stadium (as well as a community event affiliated with the upcoming Open Simulator Community Conference). Still, seating is limited – so reserve your space now! Featured speakers at the Mainstreaming Virtual World Learning Colloquium include:
- Joyce Bettencourt (Nonprofit Commons);
- Cynthia Calongne (Colorado Technical University);
- Valerie Hill (Community Virtual Library Database);
- Crista Lopez (University of California-Irvine);
- Kay McLennan (Tulane University);
- Eileen O’Connor (SUNY Empire State College);
- Andrew Stricker (Air University);
- Barbara Truman (University of Central Florida); and
- Rachel Umoren (University of Washington).
Learning simulations created in an Open Simulator virtual world are an excellent choice for educators as well as have immediate (and to be developed) uses within a Canvas course site. Virtual world simulations are highly immersive, inexpensive (in comparison to commercially available platforms), infinitely customizable, easily duplicated/saved for new uses/re-uses, and FERPA-compliant (when a grid is closed to external visitors). Also, while a single sign-in to an Open Simulator virtual world through a Canvas course site is not yet available, there are numerous ways to embed virtual world simulation content directly into a Canvas course site. For example, instructors can use virtual world learning simulations to:
- Create screen capture video clips of case study dramatizations created within a virtual simulation;
- Create stationary image or 360 video scenes with embedded hotspots;
- Capture unique [screen capture] images to illustrate course content; and
- [When students are given the option to participate in virtual discussions and/or tours of course-related learning simulations...] Transmit information about the optional virtual world discussions/tours through discussion forum communications and/or content pages.
On the topic of the future integration of the virtual world viewer into Canvas, Tulane University successfully used virtual machine software to virtualize the viewer needed to access an Open Simulator virtual world (and accordingly, eliminated the "insufficient computing power" barrier that previously limited student participation in virtual world discussions/tours). Still, educator/Canvas community help is needed to realize the option of the complete integration of an Open Simulator virtual world viewer into a Canvas course site page.
Again, registration is now open for the Mainstreaming Virtual World Learning Colloquium @ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mainstreaming-virtual-world-learning-colloquium-registration-5251225456.... The Colloquium is a free event -- on December 1, 2018 (9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Central Time) -- in the AvaCon Grid Quaternary Stadium (as well as a community event affiliated with the upcoming Open Simulator Community Conference). Still, seating is limited – so reserve your space now!
