3D Graphics/Virtual Reality/Expert Profile

Expertise

I've been a "resident" of Second Life since 2007, and can answer general questions about Second Life itself... such as what it's all about, how to create and build things in SL, how scripting works, how to make real money in SL, and why SL is an especially useful place to get kids (or anyone for that matter) excited about (and involved in) mathematics and the arts. I'm also especially interested in answering questions about how SL can be used to teach "real-world" subjects on virtual campuses (as opposed to teaching "virtual" subjects). It's a lot easier to teach real-world subjects in SL now than it used to be!

Experience in the area

I've been a Second Life builder, architect, designer, virtual-technology inventor, teacher, and merchant since I became a "resident" in 2007. I teach virtual building (including "Green" virtual construction practices) on one of SL's largest campuses… where I'm also developing new ways to teach "real-world" subjects (like botany, zoology, geology, astronomy, physics, medicine, climatology, vulcanology, and so on) to students in virtual classrooms. (To date, the majority of in-world teaching has focused on how to use Second Life itself, and not on subjects that are taught in brick-and-mortar schools.) I believe that people across the globe CAN both learn and explore real subjects on virtual campuses... once educational institutions see how truly easy it is!

Organizations

Currently, the "Happy Hippo Building School" in Second Life.

Publications

I have written about Second Life's educational aspects on Associated Content.

Education/Credentials

I've taught many classes in Second Life over the past four years... and am developing new ways to educate people from around the world in centralized virtual classrooms.

Awards and Honors

Have been selected twice to exhibit my architectural innovations and virtual technology inventions at Second Life's annual birthday exposition.

Past/Present Clients

I've taught at the "Crackerbox Palace Building School" and the "Happy Hippo Building School" in Second Life.

What do you like about this subject?

Second Life offers much to students, teachers, and others... especially those who want to teach global audiences at central sites; pursue computer-based arts; invent, create, and sell their work; and explore mathematics/science in ways that just aren't possible in brick-and-mortar schools.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I'm always learning there.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Second Life isn't a computer game, as usually defined. It's an apparent 3D world where "avatars" can move without programmed storylines... can go where they want and build their own worlds. People expecting SL to be a multi-level interactive game may be disappointed (though many in-world places do host multi-player games).

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Second Life's recent closing of the "Teen Grid" has raised questions in parents' minds about its appropriateness for children. As with books, TV, movies, cell phones, email, web browsing, and social networks, childrens' Second Life activities should also be managed by parents!