The use of virtual worlds for learning and teaching

This YouTube video is a must see if you want to learn more about learning and teaching in Virtual Worlds. This comes from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE)  virtual world special interest group (SigVE).

       The use of virtual worlds for learning and teaching

New Generation of Virtual Humans Helping to Train Psychologists

A very interesting article with special thanks to my friend Evelyn McElhinney, (AKA Kali Pizzaro in Second Life)

New Generation of Virtual Humans Helping to Train Psychologists from the APA website.

"New technology has led to the creation of virtual humans who can interact with therapists via a computer screen and realistically mimic the symptoms of a patient with clinical psychological disorders, according to new research presented at the American Psychological Association’s 120^th Annual Convention.

“As this technology continues to improve, it will have a significant impact on how clinical training is conducted in psychology and medicine,” said psychologist and virtual reality technology expert Albert “Skip” Rizzo, PhD, who demonstrated recent advancements in virtual reality for use in psychology. "

http://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2012/08/virtual-humans.aspx

We Have a LIBRARY!!!

Nightingale Isle now has a library space for gathering and studying                      

                                                                 
     Aerial View of the library/commons space

     Zelda and Tessa hanging out in the library

    The books in the library will have built in internet links. 

  The Commons area will be another area for gathering,   

  classroom activities or presentations. 

 Zelda giving a presentation on the art of canoeing in Second Life

Nightingale Simulation Center

Here are some pictures of the new Nightingale Simulation Center.  There are two full simulation rooms, two debriefing rooms, and two viewing areas in addition to a staff area, presentation area, and a place to purchase equipment.  

     Debriefing Room #1

    Simulation room from the viewing area with a one-way window. 

     Pre-Brief area for students/faculty/staff to meet. 

       Viewing Area for simulation 

       Simulation Room #1 

         Zelda washing her hands

           Debriefing Area

         Meeting /Study Area 

       Presentation Area 

Florence Nightingale Memorial Classrooms

Nightingale Isle has four new classrooms.  Oura Scribe, our builder came up with an amazing Crimean War setting to honor the work of Florence Nightingale.  Each classroom has a media center with the capability to stream radio, TV, internet and PowerPoints.  We can't wait to try them out.  

Notice the beautiful stained glass window in this classroom.  This is a special touch.  This window survived the war.

    Here is a picture of three out of the four classrooms.  

INACSL Conference in San Antonio

Zelda and Tessa presented at the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) conference in San Antonio - June 2012.  There were about 250 participants and much discussion about learning in virtual worlds.