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Public Forum to Explore Kids’ Learning in Virtual Worlds, Los Angeles and Second Life

Wed, 2007-11-14 12:58 — jtrant

From http://spotlight.macfound.org/main/entry/public_forum_learning_virtual_worlds/

At a public forum in Los Angeles on November 14th experts in media and education will explore what kids are doing in virtual worlds and what it means for their values, identity and sense of community. Hosted by Common Sense Media and the MacArthur Foundation, the event will be simulcast in Teen Second Life.

Join us on November 14th for a physical world and in-world discussion about what kids are learning in virtual worlds (update: the physical event is now full, however it will be possible to watch a simulcast or in-world viewing of the event). Four leading thinkers on virtual worlds will talk about what kids are doing in these new digital spaces - including Second Life, Whyville, There.com, The Sims and others - and how they are influencing kids’ values, identity and sense of community.

Panelists include:

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CFP: [Innovate] Special Issue on Academics in Virtual Environments

Fri, 2007-11-09 11:46 — jtrant

Innovate, published as a public service by the Fischler School of Education and Human Services and sponsored, in part, by Microsoft is soliciting manuscripts for a special issue on academics in virtual environments. This issue focuses on the use of Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs) as an enhancement to K-21 education. A MUVE combines graphics and audio with the ability to communicate with multiple users in real time within the context of a 3-D virtual environment. MUVEs are not necessarily considered games, as programs like Second Life and There have no end goal or objective.

Harvard's CyberOne: Law in the Court of Public Opinion course opened the doors for other academics to use virtual environments to enhance teaching and learning. In the past two years, over 300 colleges and universities have claimed virtual land in an attempt to enhance content delivery. This virtual land and its future development occurs only a computer network. While critics and skeptics exist, many educators are looking to take the plunge and discover the potential of virtual-based teaching.

Submissions for this special issue may address, but are not limited to, these key issues:

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