Second Life and Educational Uses of Virtual Reality and Simulations
September 15, October 2 & 27, 2008

overview
Series Information

Second Life for Educators

These learnshops are pending approval for 2.0 hours of FPG.

Monday, September 15, 2008
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Mesa Community College
CTL AS175

Thursday, October 2, 2008
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Chandler-Gilbert Community College
Room B123A

Monday, October 27, 2008
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Scottsdale Community College
Room BU141N

Have you heard of the new 3-D, online digital world called Second Life? Want to know how to get started developing problem-solving simulations based on realistic situations? Ever wonder how to develop online activities that increase student engagement in your online/hybrid classes?

Simulations increase critical thinking skills by raising the bar of conscious realization with analysis, assessment and reconstruction of situations that can challenge your students to connect academic subjects to their life and problems.

This learnshop will start you on the development path in Second Life by focusing on specific steps that can help you begin the development process.

During this learnshop, you will

Learn about Second Life and its possibilities for engaging students in learning
Identify the first 3 steps to get started developing a simulation in Second Life
Review the steps used to sign-up for and begin using Second Life
Visit simulations and conceptualize how they could apply to their own discipline

About the Presenters...

James Abraham, PhD

James T. Abraham, Ph.D. first combined technology and education in his dissertation, a web-based, multimedia edition of a Spanish play in the early 1990s. He has continued to use the flat web, sound and digital video in the foreign language classroom. In 2006, he found himself immersed in the virtual world of Second Life where he was able to combine all previous technologies and create a three-dimensional experience that can at once be very familiar and very unfamiliar. He has worked with the GCC Second Life team on the creation of a campus island and formed an interest group for educators in Maricopa County. This year, he is completing a MCLI Learning Grant entitled, “Mi casa essu casa: A Simulated Spanish House in Second Life.” James has taught at GCC since 1997.

Nanci Burk, PhD

Nanci M. Burk, Ph.D. has been learning and teaching In Second Life since early 2007. Her interest in the rich 3D world of SL stems from a desire to engage students where they work and live. She believes the way to engage 21st century students, who are primarily digital natives, is to utilize the technology they rely on for information. Nanci’s online interpersonal communication students take advantage of SL’s social network to apply communication skills and concepts. For her sabbatical in Spring 2009, she will compile and edit an Instructional Handbook for Best Practices for educators teaching in or planning to teach in Second Life. Nanci has taught at GCC since 1998.

For more information, contact Veronica Diaz, PhD at MCLI: 480.731.8300.