VIRTUAL WORLDSVIRTUAL WORLDS

Mary-Anne BernardAmy Giuliano

Adam LewisRashida Lowe

Anna Montgomery

Mary-Anne BernardAmy Giuliano

Adam LewisRashida Lowe

Anna Montgomery

Overview of Technology

Overview of Technology

Slide shot taken from within Second Life

Internet Connection - Cable or DSLOperating System - Windows 2000, XP or Vista/

Mac OS x 10.3.9Computer Memory - 512MBScreen Resolution - 1024 x 768

Internet Connection - Cable or DSLOperating System - Windows 2000, XP or Vista/

Mac OS x 10.3.9Computer Memory - 512MBScreen Resolution - 1024 x 768

System Requirements

System Requirements

Learner development through simulated virtual environments.

Engages learners around a gaming platform increasing individual interest and interaction.

Potential to trigger memories and experiences which can transfer the virtual world learning to a real world context.

Basic accounts are free to join. User can remain anonymous, addressing

privacy issues.

Learner development through simulated virtual environments.

Engages learners around a gaming platform increasing individual interest and interaction.

Potential to trigger memories and experiences which can transfer the virtual world learning to a real world context.

Basic accounts are free to join. User can remain anonymous, addressing

privacy issues.

Advantages of use:

Advantages of use:

Requires large quantities of bandwidth in order to run software effectively.

Broadband can be costly and sometimes unaffordable for some families.

Virtual World platforms take time to understand and learn how to use effectively.

There are restrictions on the level of control that teachers can implement in a virtual classroom environment

Requires large quantities of bandwidth in order to run software effectively.

Broadband can be costly and sometimes unaffordable for some families.

Virtual World platforms take time to understand and learn how to use effectively.

There are restrictions on the level of control that teachers can implement in a virtual classroom environment

Disadvantages of use:

Disadvantages of use:

Learners can become easily distracted be:The novelty of the virtual worldsOther applications and internet

windows that are open.Connection problems can occur

Learners can become easily distracted be:The novelty of the virtual worldsOther applications and internet

windows that are open.Connection problems can occur

Disadvantages of use cont…

Disadvantages of use cont…

Second Life Second Life

Examples of Virtual Worlds:

Examples of Virtual Worlds:

Active Worlds Active Worlds

Entropia Universe Entropia Universe

Forterra Forterra

Habbo Hotel Habbo Hotel

IBM and PowerUPHarvard UniversityForterra Systems Inc & Greenleaf

Medical’s virtual world Behavioral Therapy

Play2Train- Idaho Bioterrorism Awareness and Preparedness Program

Virtual Hallucination

IBM and PowerUPHarvard UniversityForterra Systems Inc & Greenleaf

Medical’s virtual world Behavioral Therapy

Play2Train- Idaho Bioterrorism Awareness and Preparedness Program

Virtual Hallucination

Examples of use:

Examples of use:

To learn more about these examples, please refer to our ‘Virtual World Wiki’

Virtual Worlds allow for anonymity, which for sensitive subjects such as child abuse, can be highly beneficial

Being an online educational tool, scenarios that may otherwise be awkward and morally incorrect face-to-face, can be explored and learnt from.This allows for growth and development, enhancing the efficiency and overall performance of workers in the real world.

Virtual Worlds allow for anonymity, which for sensitive subjects such as child abuse, can be highly beneficial

Being an online educational tool, scenarios that may otherwise be awkward and morally incorrect face-to-face, can be explored and learnt from.This allows for growth and development, enhancing the efficiency and overall performance of workers in the real world.

Relevance to DOCS:

Relevance to DOCS:

Allows for long- distance learning and development of all employees

Can allow staff to refresh skills and build upon previous training, incorporating past experiences with potential future experiences.

Allows for long- distance learning and development of all employees

Can allow staff to refresh skills and build upon previous training, incorporating past experiences with potential future experiences.

Relevance to DOCS cont…

Relevance to DOCS cont…

Virtual WorldsSUMMARY:

Virtual WorldsSUMMARY:

•WHAT are Virtual Worlds?•3D computer based environments which allow individuals to connect globally, and interact with one another.

•System Requirements?•Best used with cable/ DSL•Windows 2000, XP, Vista/ MAC OS

•Advantages?•Anonymity•Engaging and interacting environment for learners•Simulations of real world experiences

•Disadvantages?•Internet and storage capacity•Takes time to get familiar with technology•Learners can become easily distracted•Connection problems

Although there is plenty of potential for the incorporation of Virtual Worlds into DOCS for training and development, at this point in time, as Virtual Worlds are still being developed, we feel that DOCS would benefit more from choosing an alternative technology to take on board.

We do suggest however that DOCS revisits the possibility of implementing Virtual Worlds into their training and development plans in the future, as the possibilities are vast, and technology is forever advancing.

Although there is plenty of potential for the incorporation of Virtual Worlds into DOCS for training and development, at this point in time, as Virtual Worlds are still being developed, we feel that DOCS would benefit more from choosing an alternative technology to take on board.

We do suggest however that DOCS revisits the possibility of implementing Virtual Worlds into their training and development plans in the future, as the possibilities are vast, and technology is forever advancing.

Recommendations for DOCS:

Recommendations for DOCS:

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