Virtual World Design Intro

Think about traditional instructional design and how design for teaching in a virtual world differs and is similar.
Similarities:  Both require planning based on student demographics, teaching resources available, student resources required, prior knowledge of students, and adaptive technology needs for students with disabilities.

Differences:  In a virtual world, students are all on even playing fields.  This makes it ideal for those with disabilities or obvious differences from other students.  Virtual world design requires intense planning ahead of class initiation.   Designing the framework for a virtual class requires technical skills far beyond the traditional paper/pencil design skills.  Familiarity with the learning platform is crucial in designing a productive and enjoyable class.   The virtual world will allow students to learn at their own pace and/or collaborate with other virtual learners at many different levels.

 Why is social persistence considered important?  It is important because in a digital world, too many things are constantly changing.  To make an impression, ideas have to be constantly monitored and redesigned or improved upon.  Afterward, the idea must be re-presented so that it receives attention from the same consumers.  Otherwise it is shoved to the side in favor of another new idea or tool.   Why is data collection important for a designer? Data collection provides important information about ones students, their habits online, the demographics of them and any other potential students.  It is necessary for making good designs that provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences for students. 

Are Games Better than Real Life?

In this TEDTalks clip, David Perry introduces the idea that gaming in the future will include gamers who will be significantly emotionally invested in the virtual worlds in which they play.  Designers who want to be successful in "hooking" players will need to make sure they include themes, graphics, and situations that are so real that players might immerse themselves in the game rather than retreat to reality.  This to me carries such a great degree of personal responsibility as a potential designer that I almost shiver.  In the clip, Michael Highland is obviously concerned with his well-being and his ability to separate his virtual world and reality.  I also would begin to doubt my sanity given the degree that some gamers immerse themselves into the virtual worlds they choose to play. 

With that in mind, if I design games for learning I would need to be almost hyper aware of the repercussions of gamers becoming too involved in the games.  Perhaps a timer for limited amounts of play time?  A break at particular spots in the game where reflection/discussion can take place prior to continuing?  How would this need to be monitored across all game design?  This is a very sticky situation that will need to be addressed.  Would I want this much responsibility?  Something for me to continue to consider...

Future of Genetics

In the video below, Michio Kaku presents the theory that within 10 years, everyone's DNA codes will be on CD-ROM.  Because of the fact that the genomes will be on the CDs, medical science and genetics will change.  Specific parts of DNA will be able to be isolated for treatment and/or cure.  The cost of complete DNA codes for a person now is approximately $50K, but, according to Mr. Kaku will reduce to about $1K in the next 10 years, making this very interesting to the medical & pharmaceutical fields. 

Future of Genetics video

FERPA regulations

When I read these regulations again (as we are required to read these each year), it reminded me that we as teachers are the advocates for our students since their parents and guardians are not with them all day.  We must protect the privacy of all students, from persons outside the educational setting, from those inside the educational system who do not have permission to access student records, and even from ourselves.  It is very easy to become involved and discuss student records with other teachers or professionals forgetting that those are private records and should only be discussed behind closed doors with appropriate personnel.  Although it is something that is read every year, it is important to remind each person involved in the educational setting of their responsibility in keeping student records private and releasing them to appropriate parties only.

Catoms the BigThink

Catoms are tiny computer chips that are capable of changing, or transforming their charge so that they can change the form of whatever they are already a part of (like the robot in the movie The Terminator 2 which transforms into a liquid from a solid).  The Intel corporation that already makes computer chips is the force behind this futuristic idea.  Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist, explains it in the YouTube video below.

Using Prezi

I have found Prezi to be a fun tool to use.  I've used it in a couple of assignments in other classes and have encouraged my students to try using it.  They really like the fact that it is user friendly and your Prezis don't go away!
Here is a link to a Prezi that I put together with a few photos and a video that I had available.

Hanging at the Lake

I also have a Prezi that I created for a Psychology class.  Here it is:

Comparing 2 books

Using Camtasia to record Second Life movement

During this quest, I had to use a screen recording software to capture moving in Second Life.  I chose to use Camtasia Studio.  I found it was time-consuming to begin with, but got better as I used it.  My computer sometimes bogs down and has a difficult time with the multiple graphics intensive programs running at the same time, but I was able to capture my avatar walking and turning around.  When I tried flying, my computer would freeze, so I stuck with walking.  I didn't include narration, but could have if I'd wanted to.  The video is as follows: