Librarian Kathryn’s MUSLIG blog

Online learning using virtual worlds
USQ Faculty of Education Symposium

Participants are invited to take part in this unique FREE triple-cast event in person face-to-face at USQ , simultaneously in-world in Second Life or watch a live broadcast via the web.

Overview

As the web becomes more of an interactive two-way space and gaming technology escapes the entertainment industry and begins to infiltrate education and commercial applications, 3D technologies are rapidly becoming vital elements of this new landscape. Already millions of users have made the leap to become represented by their avatars, the graphical image of a user. Social presence in highly immersive environments is changing the way people communicate online using rich, perpetual virtual worlds and interactive web based objects.

Highly respected technology trends forecaster,Gartner.com, predicts…

“80 Percent of Active Internet Users Will Have A “Second Life” in the Virtual World by the End of 2011…”

This symposium will bring together a group of international leaders, developers and practitioners in the use and development of 3D technology in university teaching and learning and academic libraries. They will showcase a continuum of 3D applications ranging from 3D learning objects within a web page, through small “rooms” with class avatars accessible from a web page to interfacing 3D worlds with the Learning Management System (using SLoodle – a mash up of Second Life and Moodle) and the use of fully immersive virtual worlds (including Second Life, ActiveWorlds and Croquet).

Offered in 3 formats, this mixed reality event allows you to participate in one of three ways:

• Face-to-face at the Toowoomba venue (limited – only 45 spaces available),
• Online via the web (listen and view the streamed presentations (no interactivity, viewing only)
• Online in the virtual world of Second Life where you will see and hear all the presentations and be able to ask questions via the moderator.

The interactive format provides you with the opportunity to ask questions whether you are participating face-to-face or in the virtual world, Second Life.

Symposium details

Symposium Website: http://www.usq.edu.au/newsevents/events/onlinelearning.htm

Registration: Registration for each format is required. Only 45 place available in the real life face-to-face session.

Cost: Free

Times and venues:

• Real Life: August 14, 2007 9.30am – 1.30pm (AEST, GMT+10)
  Real Life Venue: USQ Toowoomba Campus Council Chamber S block
  
• Second Life simultaneous broadcast : Monday, 13 August 2007 at 4:30pm – 10.30pm (Second Life Time)
  Second Life Venue: Terra incognita island, Decka’s Decks. Terra incognita 156, 100, 33
  
• Live Web Cast: August 14, 2007 9.30am – 1.30pm (AEST, GMT+10)
  Live Web Cast Venue: An internet browser near you
  Web Cast URL: http://tinyurl.com/3besht

For more information please contact Cameron Loudon on x1687 or email loudon@usq.edu.au

Cameron Loudon

Manager | Digital Marketing
Marketing and Public Relations
University of Southern Queensland
Toowoomba Queensland 4350
AUSTRALIA

Contact Information
Telephone: +61 7 4631 1687
Facsimile: +61 7 4631 1404
Mobile: 0412 673 941
Email: loudon@usq.edu.au
USQ Website: www.usq.edu.au

The University of Southern Queensland is a registered provider of education with the Australian Government.
(CRICOS Codes: QLD 00244B | NSW 02225M)