Getting+Started

Welcome!


The purpose of the course is to give a broad overview of how virtual worlds are being used in teaching and learning, discuss the theory behind creating engaging learning design in these spaces, and gain some concrete design skills using Second Life as the example platform (though we'll also discuss other virtual world platforms and the pros and cons of the most popular options). We'll also evaluate how educators are using Second Life in a variety of disciplines and discuss linear vs non-linear design models in virtual environments (walk through tutorials vs. open ended exploration, for example). By the end of the course, participants should have a solid understanding of what virtual worlds are and where they came from, how and why they are being used in education, and have the basic skills to begin constructing their own learning environments in a virtual world like Second Life.

It is assumed that participants in the course will have no prior experience with Second Life or virtual worlds, so we'll start with the basics and work our way up to practicing the design of immersive learning spaces.

1) Create an Account, Download and Install Second Life
Prior to the first synchronous class meeting on May 5th, be sure to [|create an account] and [|download and install the Second Life software] on your computer. If you don't already have a headset/microphone, many electronics stores sell them for under $50. Headset/microphones that come with an external mute button isn't required but may be helpful. If you have technical difficulties with the Second Life software, be sure your computer meets the [|minimum system requirements], and that your video card is listed on the [|recommended video card list]. On older computers, upgrading the memory (RAM) or video card often resolves most technical problems.


 * **Tip 1 - Choose your name wisely!** You will be able to choose any first name for your [|avatar] (persona), but you will have to choose your last name from the list of names provided. The first name and last name you choose in combination must be unique from all other names in Second Life. If you find that your preferred first and last name combination is not available because someone else already has that name, try pairing your first name with a different last name from the list. Clever names are often appreciated, and it is rare to see numbers in someone's first name in Second Life, so if your usual internet nickname is something like joe55, you might want to leave the numerals out of your Second Life name. Avoid using generic first names like "Teacher" or "Professor" as well, since there are many teachers and professors in Second Life.


 * **Tip 2 - Credit Card Information**: During sign up, you will be asked to provide a credit card number or PayPal account information. All course activities requiring in-world currency (called Linden Dollars, or L$) will be provided, however, you may want to further customize your avatar, buy props and items beyond what is provided in the course, or participate in extracurricular activities in Second Life that require you to have Linden Dollar funds. Some locations in Second Life also require payment information to be on file before your avatar is permitted to visit. It is up to you whether or not to provide this information, but it is not required for the course.


 * **Tip 3 - Account Activation Email:** When you complete the account sign up process, you should receive an email from Linden Lab to the email address you provided. **You must click on the link embedded in the email (or copy and paste it into your web browser) before you can log into Second Life.** If you do not receive the confirmation email, check the spam filters in your email account to ensure that emails from lindenlab.com are on your whitelist.

The first time you log into Second Life, you will find yourself in a Welcome Area, usually with many more people who have just created accounts. Use the [|Second Life QuickStart Guide] document or the on-screen instructions to practice moving your avatar around for 5-10 minutes to make sure the software runs well on your computer. Our first synchronous class session will focus on orientation and learning the user interface, so you may log off as soon as you are sure the Second Life software is running properly on your machine, but feel free to explore and play until you feel comfortable moving around.
 * 2) Log into Second Life**

The last step to prepare for the course is complete the Second Life Avatar Name survey to provide me with your avatar's name, your email address, and a little more information about you. When we meet for the class on Tuesday, May 5th, you should log into Second Life and look for blue notices in the upper right corner of your screen to receive invitations to the course group, a friendship offer from my avatar (Fleep Tuque), and a welcome kit. If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to email me at fleep.tuque@gmail.com.
 * 3) Complete the Second Life Avatar Name web survey**

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