Group items tagged

via http://freetech4teachers.blogspot.com/2008/12/secret-builders-virtual-world-for-ages.html\n\nSecretBuilders is a virtual world for children 5 to 14 years old powered by a web 2.0 community of children, parents, educators, writers, artists and game developers. On SecretBuilders, children will explore virtual lands, undertake quests, play games, maintain a home, nurture a pet, and interact with their friends. Three features which form the backdrop for SecretBuilders distinguish it from other online worlds:\n\n * Children learn through immersing themselves in the stories, themes, and concepts from the best in literature, arts and humanities. They will interact with famous historical and fictional figures and be introduced to content and characters from world civilization and the great thoughts and ideas of human creativity. \n\n * Children will create this site, not just consume it. They are directly involved in creating this world with their ideas, critiques and contributions on virtually every aspect of the site and many of their ideas will be implemented!\n\n * Children publish their works - writings, art, videos - making SecretBuilders their own personal store of creativity. They can invite friends and family to view their works, and comment upon them. Seeing their works published and enjoyed by others instills tremendous for self-confidence as well as motivation to do more.\n

Southern Worlds 2010 is a collaborative project organised by the University of Tasmania, the Tasmanian Polytechnic, The Hutchins School and the Tasmanian Department of Education. The conference seeks to connect primary, secondary and tertiary educators, students, managers and developers to share, learn and explore the potential of virtual worlds to improve educational outcomes for individuals and institutions. The event is scheduled for Monday the 25th of October to Thursday the 28th of October and includes virtual sessions as well as a full day get together in Hobart on Wednesday the 27th.

Article describing real science being done in virtual environments. Excellent read. Also discusses use of second life as an educational tool.

Just Leap In is your virtual, 3D home on the Web. It's a place to share your stuff - photos, videos, news, and music - while meeting others who share your interests. via Tim Childers in Diigo

The support site for my new private virtual world on Open Sim (from the people at Reactiongrid.) I'm so excited - been using reactiongrid public grid for a while, but now with a private grid, I'll have the best of both worlds. This is gREAT! They are great.

This looks like a VERY fun virtual world that is safe for kids. Educational games, quests, and SO much more.

The exploring body image simulation from Ramapo Central School District by Peggy Sheehy.

Julie and I are excited about participating in the ISTE Eduverse Talks next Tuesday 5PM SLT. Here are the show details. Just think, if you come in, you can see HOW BAD I am at operating my avatar. (Actually, I don't think I"m as bad as I think, but my strength is definitely scripting.) Julie is having to get up at 2 am to make this happen but she is such an amazing dear -- she is doing it! We are SOOOOOO excited and hope you'll take a venture into SL to join us. We're so excited. Maybe you'll join us. If not, their blog will have the video and audio. Hey, and if you come, I"ll hang around afterwards -- would love to acquire some notecards about your projects. Let's post these in my office in the C.A.V.E. or any where else. When we talk about flattening, it is not just about these projects but all of the projects going on out there -- so share your notecard and we'll find a place to collect and share them all. HOpe to meet you soon! I'm CoolCat Whitman on Second Life (and ReactionGrid -- my favorite home for virtual worlds.)

Looks like Second Life for kids with a bit of learning thrown in.

"Raph Koster, President of Metaplace, and two practitioners discuss the advantages of using Metaplace within the classroom, and an In Focus with Nic Mitham of KZero, discussing their new report and presentation forecasting the future of virtual worlds. "

Google group for those using Jibe and Unity 3d. Not just reactiongrid.

Unity 3D editor is used to create images for the jibe platform. You can do most of what you need with the basic version.