An Introduction to Virtual Worlds EDIT 424 An Introduction to Virtual Worlds

Definition “A synchronous, persistent network of people, represented as avatars, facilitated by networked computers.” (Bell 2008) An avatar is any digital representation (graphical or textual), beyond a simple label or name, that has agency (an ability to perform actions) and is controlled by a human agent in real time Shared activities necessitate synchronous communication People are central to virtual worlds A virtual world cannot be paused

Synchronous and Asynchronous Interactions INSTANT MESSAGING – CONFERENCE CALLS ADD FRIENDS Text chat, instant messaging, email, voice chat, gestures

Second Life Second Life – the onnline 3D virtual world http://youtu.be/z3gHCupXSMs Users 13 to 15. If you are at least 13 years of age but less than 16 years of age, you may only use the Service if you are affiliated with a Sponsoring Organization, and your Account in Second Life is referred to as an “Affiliated Account.” Users 16 and 17. If you are at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age (or the legal age of majority in your jurisdiction, if it is greater), then you may only access areas of the Service rated General in accordance with our Maturity Ratings.

Second Life Age restrictions: 13 – 15 Years - only if affiliated with a Sponsoring Organization 16- 17 Years - may only access areas of the service is rated ‘General’ in accordance with maturity ratings Community Standards address: Intolerance Harassment Assault Disclosure Adults regions, groups and listings Disturbing the peace Intolerance - marginalize, belittle, or defame individuals or groups inhibit the satisfying exchange of ideas and diminish the Second Life community as a whole. The use of derogatory or demeaning language or images in reference to another Resident's race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or sexual orientation is never allowed in Second Life. Harassment - offensively coarse, intimidating or threatening, constitutes unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, Disclosure - Sharing personal information about your fellow Residents without their consent -- including gender, religion, age, marital status, race, sexual preference, alternate account names, and real-world location beyond what is provided by them in their Resident profile – Assuault - shooting, pushing, or shoving another Resident in a Safe Area Disturbing the peace - disrupting scheduled events, repeated transmission of undesired advertising content, the use of repetitive sounds, following or self-spawning items, or other objects that intentionally slow server performance or inhibit another Resident's ability to enjoy Second Life

Information/Awareness American Cancer Society Relay for Life

Collaborative Spaces

Social Interaction

Lecture in Second Life

http://sites.google.com/site/secondliferesources/education-links

Second Life Second Life with Jass Easterman (Sue Gregory) Lecturer Faculty of The Professions School of Education, UNE http://www.virtualclassrooms.info/ Second Life with Jass Easterman - deBono in Second Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uhu-6H4c8o

Reference Bell, M.W. (2008). Virtual Worlds Research: Past, Present & Future. Journal of Virtual Worlds Research, Vol(1). Retrieved from http://jvwresearch.org/page/volume_1_issue_1