Scripting in Second Life

This very useful site will help you create scripts for your Second Life objects. These scripts allow you to add interactive elements to your builds without knowing how to code. All of the scripts are released under a creative commons license, which means that you can use them freely!

Update on the College Fair in SL

The virtual world of Second Life was the venue for an international college fair which attracted an estimated 9-12,000 visitors over the week long event. The fair which began on 16 November brought together 37 educational institutions from North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific to provide opportunities for prospective students to explore the many programs on offer and get to know more about the institutions represented. Visitors to the college fair came from many countries, with the majority (47%) from the United States, and significant numbers of attendees from the UK, Germany, Spain, Canada, Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan.

The first day consisted of virtual seminars given by representatives of some of the institutions, with the remainder of the weekend available for individual consultations with college representatives. Universities and colleges were able to create informational displays about their institutions and meet informally to talk with visitors. The organizers (University of Kentucky, Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and Johnson & Wales University) said that attendance was strong throughout the fair period and their survey of participants indicated that, ‘representatives appreciated the large display size, the quality of the displays created by each institution, the opportunity to “network” with other educators involved in Second Life, the presentations, and the support provided by fair organizers.’

The School of Hotel and Tourism Management at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University was pleased to take part in this innovative event, and to join other institutions such as Cornell University, Georgia State University, Ohio State University, University of Florida and the University of West Scotland. As an experiment in promoting ‘real’ educational programs in the virtual world it was definitely of value, and something to consider repeating in the future, particularly in attracting overseas students to the university.

Teaching tools for Second Life

We have compiled a collection of tools we have used for teaching in SL. Some are a bit technical, but all are pretty useful. You are welcome to download here.

Teacher guide

Cruising in Second Life

Thought you might be interested in the virtual cruise ship (for field trips) now available. Maybe we can offer field trips for the classes? See news item below.

The SS Galaxy is a luxury ocean liner that is probably the single largest build ever to land within the realm of Second Life. Spanning three entire sims it is the creation of builder Bill Stirling.

Stirling had the idea for the ship build almost two years ago but didn’t get the chance to build it until he was contacted by Galaxy’s owner Nova Straffe. Beginning in February of this year,

Stirling has been working constantly on the ship, he said. “I really wanted to build something different for Second Life,”Stirling said. It looks as though he has accomplished his goal, for nowhere in SL is there a fully functional cruise ship of such massive proportions. It is in real life terms 1950 feet in overall length, making it 818 ft longer than the Queen Mary2.

Adorned in the style of the romantic cruise ships of the past, it is more of a floating palace than a ship. Hidden among the eight decks are large open spaces and cozy nooks. State rooms and suites are available for rent by the week or the month.

Over forty shops line the lower deck with designers from all over SL selling their wares and restaurants that make the stay on the ship inviting. The Japanese restaurant is more like a little quaint village than an eatery. An indoor pool with a sauna/steam room and a full-service work-out room complete with treadmills and tanning beds await the weary SL traveler. The luxury liner boasts a classic onboard casino.

The Zodiac Ballroom is a massive mid-ship area, which will host live jazz and dancing events.

Another club on board is the Boiler Room. According to Captain Seaton Skolnick, “The Boiler Room has that rustic Russian industrial look.”

Outside there is a pool deck where many events are also planned. There will be live streaming video during certain events sent to all three sims. A running track spans the upper deck’s perimeter.

Second Life residents can also "tie the knot" in the deluxe wedding chapel. The Galaxy’s chapel has high ceilings and rows of ornate columns. Adjacent to the chapel sits the Reception Garden , decorated with an array of plants and a fountain. Next to that is the Reception Hall where guests can congregate and chat about the ceremony. Honeymoon suites can also be arranged.

“This ship was built to live on and to play on. It is a fully functional cruise ship with everything one could ask for,” Skolnick said.

“The Inaugural cruise is called 'The Cruise to Nowhere' because nothing this large can move in SL,” Stirling joked. “For those hardcore seafaring types there is a joke done with the navigational lights, red, white, red, meaning 'Restricted in the Ability to Maneuver.'”

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Galaxy%20AFT%20/116/45/22/.

10 Challenges & Solutions to Teaching in Second Life

10 Challenges & Solutions
to Teaching in Second Life

November 17, 2007

These responses were authored by graduate students and faculty, and compiled as part of a weekly assignment in EDTECH 597: Teaching & Learning in Second Life, Boise State University, EDTECH Island. Topics were chosen based on the author’s own interest.

See link here

Many thanks to Lisa Dawley of Boise State University for sharing these thoughts from here EDTECH class, on the challenges and solutions to teaching in Second Life.

NMC Virtual Campus