Before I start analysis Orientation Islands, I would like to say that I think, that you also need to introduce Second Life to Newbies, before they go into Second Life. I introduce Masters students into Second Life. It is very important to our program that these students have a good if not great experience. They are going to have to go into Second Life in several other classes, This is a requirement and they do not have a choice. Many did not know what Second Life as, nor has experienced any virtual world. Many think it is a game.
So it is up to me to find the best provide not only an introduction but instructions on how to move around Second Life. I have created a tutorial, which I will post soon. I need to take out some of the lessons that relate to my school and make it generic. Now I am starting to take this print tutorial and create videos so that students have both.
I first start with some YouTube videos that show Educational sites in Second Life. This way my students at least get to see what they are getting into. Then I have instructions on how to move around. I do link many of Torley Linden’s videos to my instructions, but feel I need to make them more personal to my class. I want them to jump in and start finding their way. But I do offer small group and/or individual instruction. Since we are in public places I do not use voice, but use iChat or Skype to actually talk to my students. It is too hard to text instructions. I also have a Wimba session with all students the second week which I go over how to move around and find things in Second Life. This helps as an overview of the instructions, and brings up many questions, which now can be answered with the complete class.
I am always looking for ways to improve this process. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.
Analysis of Orientation Islands
I have gone to all four of these Orientation spaces. I am always looking for great places to send my students. I actually start out at NMC Orientation Island, since my University belongs to NMC. But recently I have added Kuttara Zen http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kuttara/119/61/21 is a Japanese garden that will test skills on moving around. It is much like Virtual Ability, RL Student Orientation Area, and Dore Orientation Stations where there is some interactivity. I feel this is what NMC is missing.
Reading notecards, or signs is first not easy to do if you don’t know anything about camera controls, and not the best method of instruction. Dore was confusing in which areas to go to next. I got lost.
I have really been thinking about these areas, not just because of this paper, but because my University may have an island soon. So how would I design an orientation area? Then I hope I will not only be teaching students about Second Life, but teachers.
I am not sure yet, but ideas are floating in my head. I would love to involve several of the areas or departments in my university, plus use Gardners Multiple Intelligence skills in presenting the information. I hope I can find a way to use little video instructions, plus notecards. Students need some interactivity where they can practice these skills.
I also really need to find a better way of getting my students to go in together, either a pair or small group. I really think this helps students feel more comfortable. It is really like any one of us going to a foreign country by ourselves which we know nothing about. I will always be there to help, but I feel it would be better with a peer, so that they would not be so afraid of making mistakes.
At the end of my class we all get together at NMC, play the drums and dance. My students are getting their Masters degree online and this is a way of meeting and talking to everyone at once. I think it makes learning online much more interesting. Some of my students suggest that I hold more of the class online. We do use Wimba for group meetings, but I could do at least one in Second Life. I also hope to have an office area when we get our own place, so that I can meet students.
Again, if you have any suggestions on helping students start in Second Life please contact me.