University of KY Island - Public Policy

The University of Kentucky created an inland in SL called University of KY Island. They have developed an Island Policy, I believe to be thorough and well written. The policy covers areas that address:

• purpose in which island is used (education and research of SL)
• contact information
• tracking of avatars for research purposes
• island rating
• rules and regulations

I believe this to be a nice introduction to their space. Providing visitors with necessary information to better understanding the purpose, rules and regulations of the island.

898.3 Special Topics Course

For this term, in my graduate studies at the U of S, I have been approved for a 898.3 Special Topics course titled, Exploring Pedagogicial Strategies for Multi-User Virutal Environments.

This course is designed to examine potential strategies for optimizing instruction within a Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE), specifically Second Life (SL). Areas of interest and investigation for this course include:

• Strategies for designing virtual learning environments (VLEs) in the MUVE, Second Life.
• General methods of pedagogy used within the MUVE, Second Life.
• Specific instructional strategies and tools used in the MUVE, Second Life.

The course will be divided into three phases. The first phase will explore the three main areas of interest outlined above and will document instructional strategies currently being used in SL. The second phase will attempt to understand and interpret these findings (methods, strategies) through the lens of instructional theory and design methodology. The third phase will include applying what has been learned in the development of training sessions for the U of S faculty, staff and students in the use of SL.