EDTEC700MULE

Make a point of checking out Rich White's Greenbush Labs blog for some fascinating and relevant ideas. See the augmented reality ZooBooks-http://bit.ly/9pUQNt, the 3D desktop, Bumptop, and Google 3D map view http://roots.greenbush.us/?p=924.

This is one of the worlds that the Happy Hour Group encountered. It is basically one big interactive space museum. It even has a tram tour. There is a lot of historical information here along with quizzes and games to test the knowledge of the visitor.

This is a faithful reproduction of the Spanish-built presidio in Santa Barbara from 1786, created by a grad student named Shelly Long from Cal State Northridge. The buildings are beautifully done, but the rooms are mostly empty. It is worth the trip to see the chapel. It's interior is very detailed including intricate artwork, wooden furniture, and lighted candles. You can even kneel at a prayer bench and recite the Lord's prayer! I picked up a free set of archaelogist's tools. Young students might enjoy this exposure to a piece of early California history, following up with internet research into the lives of the people who lived here, including their lifestyle and sustenance.

I agree with Robert this is a great way for students to be exposed to a piece of California history. I'm wondering if there are more presidios or missions just like this? I enjoyed the aesthetics of this simulations too. It is very well done with lots of interesting details, such as the burning fireplace. The local radio music however, was a tad annoying. I'd like to have seen a few interactive opportunities included, such as creating notecards that outline "what you've learned".

This site is helpful because it guides you to sites that have been explored by others to show their effectiveness in collaborating, engagements with learning and activities done on each site in SL. This is from a student's perspective as well I believe so that makes it even more interesting to see what they think.

I rather like the idea of learning about other places and other cultures using Second Life. This location gives a lot of facts, though much is in German. It has some parts of the geography that are reminiscent of Switzerland, and there are plenty of informational posters in English.

In Orlando, Florida a school district has created virtual field trips that allow students to travel to a variety of different areas without leaving the classroom. The field trips are a combination of real video, animations, interactive games and people. These simulations are geared for a younger audience.

This website contains screen shots from Second Life to teach Geometry.

This is an article about utilizing Second Life to teach ESL. From language courses I have had, I know it makes a big difference for learners to be able to learn language in the context in which it is normally spoken. I can see how Second Life could have some applications to demonstrate to learners language spoken in context. "Second Life English" has an island devoted to teaching English. You may want to check it out.

Here is an article that I found interesting re: Second Life and Cinematography students at USC. They feel that the thing that Second Life does best is facilitate social interaction. So their goal is to design a setting where people from all over the world can come together and talk. Unfortunately, the site is still under construction.

The University of Southampton has an extensive presence in SL. One of the projects that they are developing is an exercise in visualization of an ancient Roman port. In addition to SL, they are also developing texture maps for Google Earth. The Portus Project in SL is referred to as Portus 2 and is a developing interactive representation of the entire port city. Posters, video, and other multimedia displays show the evolution of the project.

Quest Atlantis (QA) is an international learning and teaching project that uses a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-16, in educational tasks. QA combines strategies used in the commercial gaming environment with lessons from educational research on learning and motivation. Participation in this game is designed to enhance the lives of children while helping them grow into knowledgeable, responsible, and empathetic adults. Does this interest you? They offer extensive educator training and support. Really an exemplary project. HIGHLY recommended.

This video was an amazing eye-opener to show what is already out there for science education.

Thanks for sharing this video. I'm looking forward to visiting these locations.