Virtual Worlds CE Series

Continuing education (CE) non-credit courses presented by the Illinois Alliance Library System and GSLIS.

Immersive Learning in 3D Virtual Environments

What skills and techniques from other disciplines do librarians and educators need to learn/use/modify, in order to take the classroom and the library forward to future incarnations? One of the hot topics in the world of MUVE's, MMORPG's, and game-based education is Immersive Learning (IL). Immersive Learning uses the ability of environments to supply information, and to engage more of the learner's cognitive "package" than does a traditional read-lecture-and-discuss format. This course will begin by examining a few basic concepts of IL and looking at Second Life as an IL environment. The majority of the class will explore ways that educators can conduct (and librarians can support) IL classes and incorporate IL into their existing practices as well as breaking new ground.

Week One: Introduction to immersive learning
Week Two: Second Life as an immersive learning environment
Week Three: Immersive education in virtual space
Week Four: Technologies of learning
Week Five: Immersive learning library programs
Week Six: Immersive reference services

Instructors: JJ Jacobson (JJ Drinkwater) and S. Thompson (Hypatia Dejavu)

Audience: Open to all interested in learning more about teaching in virtual worlds. Students should have experience navigating in Second Life.

Dates and times: August 6, 13, 20, 27, September 3 and 10, 2008 from 5:00 - 7:00 SL (US Pacific) time

Location:Second Life

Cost: $250

TO REGISTER

Course Technology

The two-hour synchronous sessions will meet online in Second Life. Asynchronous discussions will be posted to Forums on Moodle, the course management system used by GSLIS.

Participants will need a reliable Internet connection via DSL or cable in addition to the following hardware and software SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS for Second Life.

IMPORTANT: Please ensure you can meet these requirements before registering for the course.

If you have questions, contact Marianne Steadley, 217.244.2751 or steadley@illinois.edu.

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