Archive for October, 2026

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Intro to Building

October 21, 2026

Merino led the class this week for an introduction to building techniques in Second Life. Her series of useful YouTube videos formed the basis of the activity and once everyone had activated their Çağ student group they had permission to build in the skybox above the campus. Some students have previous experience building with 3D modelling software and were even able to import items to SL. Each student was able to create something new, however, and seemed to enjoy the experience.

After that we had a quick update from each team about their progress on the project. John noted that there is significant activity on the WhatsApp groups. Although it is not always an easy matter to meet, due to time constraints and time zone difference, discussions take place and decisions get made. Progress is about where it would be expected at this stage in the semester.

Next week we will have a field trip to Virtual Ability Island and John asked that everyone try to log in early at the Çağ meeting point so we can all go together in good time. Please see the page for Online Communities and Relationships in preparation for the class.

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Identity with intent

October 14, 2026

As Sitearm Madonna was not available this week John / Tae gave the presentation Identity with Intent.

The talk was followed by a practical session where all participants experimented with changing their avatars and their clothing. This demonstrated some of the points made during the talk and help everyone get a sense of how our avatars and our clothing can affect how we feel about ourselves, even in a virtual world.

The class finished up, as usual, with the team check-in. Each team reported on their meetings during the week and progress on the project. All teams now have confirmed team leads and communications coordinators. To conclude we had some brief likes-and-wishes feedback.

Next week’s class will introduce building in Second Life with Merino. John shared a link to the class description so you can review it in advance and even try out some building if you like. He also recommended a visit to the Happy Hippo Building School which has lots of free support and advice on building, along with regularly scheduled classes.

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Teamwork and collaboration

October 7, 2026

We had a look at the theory of teamwork and collaboration with John/Tae this week. The basic structure of a team and the forces that make for success, along with the contribution of each individual, was outlined. If you missed the class, or simply want to review it, here is a YouTube video of the same presentation given by Sitearm Madonna in 2024.

This was followed by a practical demonstration from each of the student Project Teams. Sitting at the top of the class, in turn, the teams shared their activity and achievements during the week. Each team has now been established, and has identified a team lead and a communications coordinator. They have also set up team groups in WhatsApp and are in the process of adding their assigned mentor to the group. Additionally, the project brief has been considered and discussed. This is a strong start and is very encouraging.

We finished the class with a break-out session for the teams to continue discussing the project. One factor that exemplified the unpredictable nature of working online was a ‘region restart’ by Second Life about half an hour into the class. This unwelcome disturbance meant that we all had to teleport to the TU Dublin campus for a few moments to avoid being ejected from SL. Unfortunately, Linden Labs usually does this once a week so we will see if it is possible to reschedule the activity for this region.

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