You probably have heard the term “virtual world.” You might be curious about them or even regularly take part in one yourself. There are hundreds of virtual worlds that exist (and have for many years) and are being used by public, school, and academic libraries.
Introduction to Virtual Worlds
Online class via Simmons College GSLIS CE
January 5 – February 5, 2009
Register Online by December 19, 2008
Cost: $250 (Simmons GSLIS Alum $200)
*PDPs: 15 *
Class Preview: http://informationgoddess.info/virtual.html
You probably have heard the term “virtual world.” You might be curious about them or even regularly take part in one yourself. There are hundreds of virtual worlds that exist (and have for many years) and are being used by public, school, and academic libraries.
Not all virtual worlds are alike and chances are they will not all fit your needs. There are some similarities among them that will help to get started — dressing your avatar, networking with others, and learning and sharing knowledge. Don’t be afraid to jump in and find what suits you best. Customization is important for people everywhere and our library users are no different. Interact in virtual worlds to find what fit is right for you and discover library applications for avatar creation, easy machinima, community building, library programs and more!
Minimum System Requirements:
- Windows 2000 OR Mac OS X or better
- Pentium or better chipset
- 2 gig RAM
- Sound & video card less than 5 years olds
- Multimedia plugins on computer: javascript enabled, shockwave, Quicktime and Windows DirectX 9 (for PCs)
- Ability to download and install software.
Faculty: Kelly Czarnecki, Technology Education Librarian, ImaginOn, Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, Library Journal Mover and Shaker (2007), owner of Eye4You Alliance Island in Teen Second Life, writer for SLJ column, “The Gaming Life”, kczarnecki@plcmc.org; and Beth Gallaway, Simmons GSLIS Alum, library trainer/consultant, Library Journal Mover and Shaker (2006), and author of “Get Your Game On: Video Games and Libraries”; informationgoddess29@gmail.com. Both are on the Gaming Expert Panel for ALA/Verizon.
PLEASE NOTE: The Simmons GSLIS Continuing Education office will be closed from December 24th through January 2nd, reopening January 5th. Please register for January online workshops by December 19th in order to receive confirmation and login instructions by the start of the workshops. Registrations received after the 19th will not receive confirmation until the week of January 5th.
For additional information see http://www.simmons.edu/gslis/continuinged/workshops/ or contact gslisce@simmons.edu
Information Goddess Consulting 