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Immersive Worlds, Avatars, and Second Lives
May 4 - June 30, 2009 ~ [|University of Manitoba], [|Certificate in Emerging Technologies for Learning]


 * [[image:UofM_IWASL_Course_plaque_copy.jpg width="415" height="319"]]

Course ID**: 98826
 * Instructor:** Chris Collins (SL: Fleep Tuque) ~ fleep.tuque@gmail.com ~ [|About]


 * To Register for Certificate:** [|Certificate in Emerging Technologies for Learning]
 * To Register for Course:** [|Immersive Worlds, Avatars, and Second Lives]


 * Course Description:** While graphic-rich virtual and immersive worlds are a recent phenomenon, text-based games and simulations have been prominent since the early development of computers. Games like World of Warcraft and virtual worlds like Second Life draw both praise and criticism from parents, researchers, and educators. Can games, avatars, virtual worlds and simulations be utilized for educational purposes? A strong body of research suggests games can be important in increasing student engagement, developing critical skills, and improving learner’s “scientific habits of the mind”. This course will serve as an introduction to immersive worlds and games, providing educators with a broad overview of current options and potential opportunities for adoption for teaching and learning.


 * Course Requirements:** Learners must have a computer capable of running the [|Second Life software] to participate in the course, and a microphone/headset to participate in live voice discussions. The Second Life software is free to [|download and install], and the minimum system requirements and recommended video card list is available for viewing at [] No prior experience with video games, virtual worlds, or Second Life is expected or required, but may be helpful in acclimating to the course meeting environment.


 * Synchronous Meeting Times (in [|Second Life]):** Tuesdays, 7PM to 9PM EST (4-6PM SLT), starting May 5th and ending June 30th


 * Meeting Location:** University of Manitoba campus in SL ~ []


 * Course Materials:** All course materials will be located on the [|course Moodle site], broken down by week. No books are required for the course, but participants might find [|Second Life for Dummies by Sarah Robbins and Mark Bell] a useful supplement to the course.


 * Coursework Evaluation:** The percentages below explain how the final grade will be calculated based on completed course work. The Final Project should reflect cumulative knowledge and experience gained in the course, and is due the last week of the class.


 * Project 1 (Due 5/25): 15%
 * Project 2 (Due 6/8): 15%
 * Final Project (Due 6/29): 30%
 * Forum Posts: 30%
 * Participation: 10%

Week 1 - Introduction to Second Life Week 2 - Avatars and Identity in Virtual Environments Week 3 - VWs: Workplace of the Future? (Business, Economies, Legal Issues, Governance) Week 4 - Comparing Game vs Virtual World Platforms for Teaching & Learning Week 5 - Higher Education in Second Life Week 6 - Designing Immersive Learning Spaces: Pedagogy Week 7 - Designing Immersive Learning Spaces: Construction Week 8 - Designing Immersive Learning Spaces: Delivery Week 9 - Final Project Presentations
 * Course Outline:** The outline should be considered a rough guide to the next 9 weeks. Timelines, topics, readings, and due dates are subject to change depending on the interests and comfort level of class participants.