Monday, March 31, 2008

Mexico Tourism


Thinking about travelling today....

I set out to explore the "Visit Mexico" tourism site:
~Chichen Itza~Archeologic, Visit Mexico (173, 123, 37)






As I arrived, I was given a Mayan Princess outfit, climbed and explored a Mayan Pyramid, and then rode a gorgeous blue butterfly for a tour of the sim. A whole new way to promote tourism!

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Memorials






At the Aggie Chat (a weekly meeting of grad students, faculty & friends) last night, we toured the memorials set up to remember the victims of Virginia Tech and the soldiers who died in the Vietnam War. They were both thoughtfully done.


















But, I have to say, the most disturbing of all, was the thought that there was much more land to build on at both places--telling me that we have not seen an end to violence or death by wars we must fight.


















Second Life has a unique way of combining graphics, video, and sound to experience events in a way that you have not before. And, you have a presence in that experience and you will remember it.


Sunday, March 23, 2008

ASTD--American Society for Training & Development


Happy Easter!

I wanted to share a few thoughts with you about training in Second Life. First, I attended a great session last week at Train for Success. Thanks to Anders Wildcat (Anders Gronstedt, Ph.D in "real life"--RL--see: http://www.prsaokc.com/swdc/speaker.html), I was able to hear Anthony Allen from ASTD talk about the unveiling of their new sim island in SL.
According to Anders: "The American Society for Training & Development, ASTD, just unveiled its island in Second Life. Meet Anthony Allen, director of digital media for ASTD, this Thursday at Train for Success, to learn how the world's largest association dedicated to workplace learning and performance professionals views virtual worlds and how it plans to use its Second Life presence"

I decided to teleport to the ASTD island and have a look around. I found 5 main areas including a welcome area, orientation training for newbies, a large meeting area, several break off areas and even a campfire area. It's great to see that an organization as large as ASTD is getting on board!

I learned from the presentation that SL is considered just one of many virtual worlds termed the "Metaverse" that 0rganizations are looking at for training and conducting business. One of the boards on their island told it all:

"Second Life is one of many 3D virtual worlds that can improve communication, learning and understanding between people that would otherwise be separated by geography, personality type, or work title. ASTD acknowledges that 3D communication tools offer the potential for richer communication than 2D tools such as email, instant messaging, and blogs. Virtual environments and relationships will almost certainly be part of learning in the future"
ASTD "gets it"....they see that Web 2.0 is now becoming 3.0 and virtual worlds and environments are becoming more robust spaces for connecting, learning, and training!




Monday, March 17, 2008

Wearing of the Green


It was a fine night at the St. Patrick's Day Party at the Aggie Beach House...friends stopped by to donate to the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life (RFL) fundraising campaign. Dona was spinning some good ole' Rock & Roll tunes!

Thursday, March 13, 2008

To blog, or not to blog




Sorry--I haven't spent time blogging lately.....But, these past few weeks have been very exciting in Second Life! I have been conducting research in this medium and it has been such a learning experience as I have interviewed 30+ participants to capture their thoughts around adult learning in a virtual environment.
Last Week, I volunteered to Captain the Virtual Aggie Relay for Life (RFL) team in SL benefiting the American Cancer Society. I was told that over $150,000 was raised for ACS in 2007 by 20+ teams and I'm sure the Aggie Group can do some serious work toward the 2008 goal! Go Aggies! Our first fund raiser is 3/17---with a St. Pat's Day Party at the Aggie Beach House. Come join us! --Rachelle
(RSVP me for access)