Virtual Environments: Is one life enough?

CLASS SUMMARY:

This week’s class started with each participant making an ‘elevator pitch’ – a one-minute summary of what they expect from the module. All made confident, coherent and informative pitches using voice in SL. We talked about how it felt to give a presentation in SL as opposed to a classroom in real life (IRL) classroom and all agreed it was easier in SL due the level of anonymity and the ‘distance’ created through meeting online.

This led on a discussion on developing one’s avatar in SL. Most participants said they enjoyed creating an avatar that is different from how they perceive of themselves IRL. Tae contrasted this with his attempt to match the appearance of his SL avatar to his appearance IRL, albeit how he may have appeared some five years previously, and noted that avatars don’t age. The reasoning behind these decisions was explored and compared with our usual approach to Facebook. It was generally agreed that most of us use FB purely for social reasons, it is a less formal space for chatting and keeping in contact with friends and family. In some cases this led to an awareness of presenting ourselves in the best possible light, just as we generally try to look our best when meeting socially. The freedom to experiment offered by the anonymity of their SL avatars and their relatively anonymous blogs was acknowledged by some participants. There can be less self-consciousness when you are engaging at a distance, through an online connection.

The difference between presenting oneself personally and professionally was touched upon with reference to the links posted in last week’s class summary. We also discussed the idea of the ‘personal brand’ – what it meant, how to create, promote and maintain it. Issues around consistency, reliability, reputation etc were explored and the importance of integrity and honesty was raised. The case of the Gay Girl in Damascus blog was cited as an example of the ‘politics of identity’ that can be highlighted by the ease of creating a persona online.

Next week’s class will be taken by Elfay Pinkdot, host of Coffee and Pajamas. She will be taking you on a tour of some of the exciting social venues in SL and introducing you to some interesting residents. Be early, or you risk missing the tour and be prepared to stay on later than the normal class. It will be fun and illuminating!

ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT CLASS:

Go outside your established community/group (eg, this class group) in SL and make contact with at least two people relevant to your interests (artist, gallery owner, shop selling art, etc). You will write a post on your blog explaining the relevant of these new contacts you have made.

CLASS SUMMARY:

Locks gave an introduction to writing in the academic style, explaining what it means, how to do it and why it is important. From now on all blog entries should be written in this style, starting with a rewrite of your first post to your new blogs. The school uses the Chicago referencing style which can be found by clicking here.

ACTIVITIES FOR NEXT WEEK:

Rewrite your blog entry from last week this time applying the conventions of academic writing.

Reading: recent article in The Irish Times about using social media for branding.

Look at a designer’s blog, professional blog, illustrator’s blog, art blog.

Prepare a one-minute elevator pitch about yourself and what you hope to gain from the module.

CLASS SUMMARY:

After making the introductions and welcoming the new participants we suggested that you put a face to your avatars for the next class – personalise it by ‘Editing Appearances’ and/or buying clothes and accessories. Remember, as far as we are concerned you are your avatar! We will always refer to you by your Second Life name, so, if you are not happy with the name you have chosen change it now, before the next class. You will also need to complete your profile in SL. Right-click on your avatar to bring up a list from which you can select and then edit your profile. You don’t need to put in details of your real identity if you prefer not to.

The format of the class will be interactive discussion, supported by reading material provided in this blog prior to the class. You will need to have read the material in advance (or else next class will be longer to allow for catch-up). In addition, you will need to spend time in SL outside the normal class time to familiarise yourself with the environment and to complete set tasks and activities.

In the unlikely event that SL is down, you will receive a text to let you know what alternative arrangements are in place for class.

By signing up to this module you are committing to all of the above.

ACTIVITES FOR NEXT CLASS:

1. Complete the profile for your SL avatar.
2. Set up your blog using Blogger, WordPress or any other blog site that supports text. Complete the About Me section on your blog by writing about your expectations for this module – what you hope to get out of it, what you think you might contribute, etc.
3. Join LinkedIN using your SL avatar’s name. Then click here to join the module group.
4. Go to the Coffee & Pajamas Jazz Show at the Sunset Jazz Club on Laurel Arts Isle between 1800 and 2000 GMT on Sunday 12 February. Elfay Pinkdot is the DJ – you must say ‘hi’ to her and tell her you are from the DIT class. If you can’t get there you must explore three other places in SL. The first post to your blog should describe your experience at Coffee and Pajamas or the other place you visit.
5. Post a link to your blog on to LinkedIN discussion forum, review the blogs of your colleagues and comment.
6. Send an email to claudia.igbrude(at)dit(dot)ie with your SL name and your mobile phone number.
7. Reading: Night of the Living Tech, from the New York Times. Recently, Wired magazine proclaimed, “The Web Is Dead.” Yet evolution — not extinction — has always been the primary rule of media ecology, even if the rate of change is speeding up.

Tae took feedback from the class on each student’s progress in the team project. It seems to be going quite slowly after a failure to meet up during the week. Tae recommended that everyone read the project brief again, paying particular attention to the assessment points. The team was also advised to contact Sitearm and Elfay immediately to get permission to stream sound into the Amphitheatre and support for recording. Also, you should read the Project Resources post giving information about recording and streaming provided by Elfay.

Tae reminded the team that the project was designed to give you the opportunity to implement some online social networking activity. Students all need to provide evidence of their engagement, particularly in your blogs: write about it, post pictures, links etc. It was also strongly advised that you meet up, virtually, as soon as possible; that you have a rehearsal; and a backup plan in case Second Life doesn’t cooperate.