second life as a virtual setting for academic advising
DESCRIPTION
What is Second Life and how can it be used for building community and providing advising and student support for distance education students? Penn State World Campus has developed a virtual “island” where distance education students can access resources and create a community with other students. Higher education relies on students making a connection with the university and Second Life has the potential to foster such connections for distance education students.TRANSCRIPT
Second Lifeas a Virtual Setting
for Academic Advising
DUS ConferenceOctober 29, 2009Richard Brungard
Advising Program CoordinatorPenn State World Campus
[email protected] Life Avatar: JRichard Ragu
Penn State World Campus• Number of current students enrolled 15,282 • Percentage growth from previous year 51%% • Number of total programs 62• Number of graduate degrees 15 • Number of certificates19 • Number of undergraduate degrees 16 • Number of undergraduate certificates 14 • Number of continents with World Campus
students 6 • Number of countries with World Campus
students 62 • Number of states with World Campus students 50
Community
“It is essential the institution recognizes that a sense of community is important to the
success of many students, and that an ongoing, long-term relationship is
beneficial to both student and institution.”
-Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET)
What is Second Life?
Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by it residents. It is used as a platform for education by many institutions, such as colleges, universities, libraries and government agencies. At least 300 universities around the world teach courses or conduct research in Second Life.
http://secondlife.com/whatis/?lang=en-US
Second Life®
-Launched in January 2009
-167 World Campus Group members
-WC Students: 50%
-WC Staff/Faculty: 25%
-Other/Unknown: 25%
World Campus on Second Life
• Student Center
• Advising Center
• Library Services
• Career Center
• Penn State Digital Commons
• Virtual Bookstore
• Community Space– Berkey Creamery– College Diner
The Connections Made
“Projects like the Penn State World Campus island in Second Life make a tremendous impact. In this virtual
environment, I have met my adviser to discuss my classes and my plans, and received invaluable guidance in a way that makes me
feel connected to the university. “As an additional benefit, I have also met some of my classmates—not only others in my major, but (much to my surprise)
some taking exactly the same class. I have even participated in one of the grandest Penn State traditions, the THON fund-raising effort.
“These experiences have truly given me the same sense of camaraderie that I enjoyed many years ago as a traditional college student, have reminded me that I’m not alone in my efforts, and have confirmed that Penn State is a special institution that has earned my loyalty. Because of these feelings, I know I am a part of the Penn State family.”
— Brian H., Suffolk, VA
Conduct in Second Life ® The adviser is expected to have the same
ethical and professional standards as they would when dealing with World Campus students through any other method.
The student signs and is expected to abide by the PSU Code of Conduct-The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential
values of the University community.
Avatar Appearance
Academic Advisers are expected to wear thesupplied Penn State attire or the same type ofclothing they would wear in the office. Studentsusually dress the way they would on campus or for work; sometimes they get even more creative!
Avatar Appearance
Several members of the Penn State World
Campus Advising Team
Some Fun in Second Life ®!
World Campus Advisers are given Linden Dollars
(250 Linden Dollars = about one US Dollar)
To go shopping for clothing To go shopping for office furniture and
accessories
o CLOTHING, HAIR, SKIN: Nyte ‘n Day, ETD, Blaze, o OFFICE FURNISHINGS: Bastian’s Home Store, A Take
on Simplicity, Shaples, EE Office and Home Furniture, Flower Power Garden Center
Second Life® Also…
— Allows for Participation in traditional Penn State Events THON®
Virtual Tailgate Homecoming Parade Graduation Reception
— Assists in Community Building Psychology Club
— Provides Support Services Libraries Advising Appointments
Time for our demo!
Penn State World Campus Island
Lion Shrine
Advising Center
Community Room
Library Services
Courtyard
Berkey Creamery
Career Services Center
JAVA Patio
Amphitheatre
Orientation Area
Old Main
Hetzel Union Building (HUB)
Psychology Club
World Campus Beach