Sign-Up

Anyone can follow a course on P2PU. Participating is the next level of engagement. The sign-up is a space where interested individuals can express their interest and background in the topic and commit to working with the rest of the participants. Please answer the following set(s) of questions if you want to become a participant or organizer.

Standard Set

This set of signup questions is common to all study groups, courses, ... in P2PU. The answers to these questions will be public once you get accepted.

Public Custom Set

This set of signup questions is particular to this course. The answers to these questions will be public once you get accepted.

Between Participants Custom Set

This set of signup questions is particular to this course. The answers to these questions will be visible to all participants once you get accepted.

Answers

• 
  Exquisite Corpse   March 21, 2012, 11:15 p.m.

  Bio:

  Digital Humanitarian, prodigal librarian, ex-patriate associate dean.

  Location: Colorado

  Standard Set Answer:

  My interest in this topic is seeing the results from other educators.

  I hope that participation will offer mutual enlightenment.

  I am interested in helping with course deconstruction.

  My latest thought:

   

  Here's a cool way to "animate" students of poetry who haven't quite figured out the beauty of the medium and that it's about THEM.  Ask students in groups (or solo) to create an Animoto to express the essence of a poem as these students have done here. 

  http://us.mg6.mail.yahoo.com/neo/launch?.rand=dafkj1m0dok3a

  Public Set Answer:

  There are differences and similarities between VW and MMORPG.  A VW is more like a canvas on which an educator can paint: a MMORPG is more like a carnival already set up -- not without its options.

  I think most people would agree with me because I am being super-general.  :D

• 
  Wakroach   March 21, 2012, 4:24 p.m.

  Bio:

  High School Engineering and computer science teacher

  FIRST Robotics Coach

  Location: Anchorage, AK

  Standard Set Answer:

  I attended the VWBPE conference.

  Improve my practice in vw by interacting with other interested educators.

  I would be interested in helping with the course.

  Public Set Answer:

  yes there is a difference.

  yes

• 
  Emis.G   March 21, 2012, 12:53 p.m.

  Bio:

  I'm busy developing a social learning space - built on the Elgg platform.

  Location: UK

  Standard Set Answer:

  My interest in this topic follows on from my interest, and involvement, in e-learning and alternative education.  I enjoyed vwbpe in 2011, but unfortunately I missed most of it this year. 

  Public Set Answer:

  I think the difference is in the open-endedness of a virtual world, as opposed to a MMORPG where you are provided with a focus.

• 
  Lethy   March 21, 2012, 8:45 a.m.

  Bio:

  Associate Professor, UMaine, I teach all online courses and integrate Second Life into my teaching. I hang out at Four Bridges in Second Life. SL name: Aletheia Lyre. 

  I am disabled and passionate about access and inclusion in education and virtual and online world.

  My email at UMaine is passman@maine.edu.

  Location: Orono, Maine

  Standard Set Answer:

  I am currently integrating Second Life into my online courses

  Better under standing, especially of MOOC and gaming and education

  Yes

  Public Set Answer:

  Yes, absolutely. There are multiple Virtual Worlds with different functions and aims, some of which are organized like MMORPGs, but not all.

  I think many students confuse Second Life with a game, which it CAN be, depending upon the region. Some of the education I do is to assist students in knowing the difference.

• 
  Sharon Collins   March 21, 2012, 8:28 a.m.

  Bio:

  Location: Greenville, NC

  Standard Set Answer:

  I think virtual worlds has a significant place in learning.

  I  hope to be a part of a community of teaching and learning for virtual worlds and gaming.

  I may be interested in helping, it would depend on the time committment.

  Public Set Answer:

  I believe the difference comes in how it is used.  I do not use the virtual world space that I learn in to play the games that are offered.  I use it for instruction, learning, community, and for visiting places that interest me.  Gaming software is also used at many institutions for teaching and learning. However, I do think that the use of games played for entertainment prepare individuals to learning in a different environment and by studying them, educators can learn what may hold the interest of today's students such as interactivity and simulations.

• 
  pipcleaves   March 21, 2012, 7:19 a.m.

  Bio:

  Professional Learning and Curriculum Support Project Officer for the Digital Education Revolution in NSW Australia. I support teachers to bring about change in teaching and learning practice in their schools. Japan is always close to her heart.

  Location: Sydney, NSW Australia

  Standard Set Answer:

  I have spent some time learning how to build in Open Sima nd am excited by the possibilities this can bring to learning. I would like to explore this further. 

  A new skill, some new people for my PLN, and enjoy some brain bending.

  Maybe not this time, its my first P2P so maybe next time. 

  Public Set Answer:

  Yes I think there is. I think you can create the environment more in a VW than in an MMORPG

  I hope I get this right... 

• 
  DelightfulDoowangle   March 21, 2012, 7 a.m.

  Bio:

  Greetings fellow lifelong learners.

  At the University of Central Florida I serve as the Director of Course Development in the Center for Distributed Learning. I helped found Online@UCF and have seen the institution more than double in the 15 years I've been in my role.

  I am also a doctoral student researching simulation games, virtual worlds, game-based and informal learning, and complex systems. My program is mostly online offered through Colorado Technical University in Computer Science, Emerging Media. My participation in virtual worlds originated with the New Media Consortium in 2006. In 2011, I was a participant in Gardner Campbell's New Media Faculty Development Seminar via Virginia Tech.

  I also participate as I can in the US Army's Military Open Simulation Enterprise Strategy (MOSES) located in UCF's Research Park. UCF is very active in EDUCAUSE and the Sloan Consortium in the United States. UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training is often involved in research for advanced learning technologies. 

  Location: Orlando, Florida, USA

  Standard Set Answer:

  My doctoral research surrounds game-based learning and I hope to find meaning ways to connect informal and formal learning at the post-secondary level that may include game-based training such as within simulations and serious games. Through open-sopurce publication of software produced at my work, I hope that it may become a bridge between k-12 and post secondary instiutions where grants are possible to research learning gains. 

  Participating will enable meeting other passionate educators and researchers who are learning to use every available technology  and situation to build transformative learning experiences.

  I will be more of a contributor once I get better acquainted with all the tools and scope of activities. My time is limited with full-time position, doctoral program, and family (supposed to be working on that dissertation, you know). I am perpetually behind, but I am also a quick learner. 

  Public Set Answer:

  Virtual worlds and MMORPGs have similarities, but are very different. Both venues are social, communication platforms. Gamers often become dissillusioned from the lack of game mechanics in a virtual world, but game mechanics can be created within virtual worlds. Or so I am learning. 

  Virtual world technologies are evolving through access via web browser and mobile device that will open the venue to more users. Technological standards for avatars would assist with interoperability among venues.

  Most people do not know enough about the difference in either virtual worlds or MMORPGs to make an informed opinion. Raising awareness of the value of immersive learning environments will help improve perception among people. The quest is on!   

• 
  Bluebarker   March 20, 2012, 9:59 p.m.

  Bio:

  I am a Graphic Designer inbetween jobs at the moment. I was interning for a IT company but it wasn't what I wanted to do and I continue to search for my place while I work on my online portfolio. I have a B.S. in Computer Animation specializing in shading (texture artist) and lighting and a Masters in Education of Media, Design and Technology. Didn't think I was all fun and games, did you? 

  Location: Virginia Beach, VA

  Standard Set Answer:

  What made you interested in this topic?

  Well, like I said I have a masters, and this is right my alley with Education Media, Design and Technology, and its always been such a great topic that I could really focus on when others could care less about it, i was in advertising before hand and that was very tricky business, curious to see the differences between the two.

  What do you hope to achieve by participating?

  A better understanding of how to connect audiences with/through visual media including games, film/animation and graphic design.

  Are you interested in helping with the course organization?

  Well sure, I have some time on my hands, hit me up an email bluebarkerbro@yahoo.com, let me know what you need and I'll see what I can help with.

  Public Set Answer:

  Do you think there is a difference between a virtual world and a MMORPG?

  Well yeah. Virtual worlds don't really have a designated set of things to do and are rather a free way of thinking about it. MMORPGs have things for you to do and a set amount of things you can get. We could get into the building and the customization, buts thats where the lines tend to cross between the two depending o what VW or MMORPG you are looking at.

  Do you think most people would agree with you?

  I tend to think so, but that all depends on who you talk to. Some people just want to argue for the sake of arguing.

• 
  M Starry   March 20, 2012, 9:51 p.m.

  Bio:

  I am currently on faculty at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy.  I teach in the pharmacy practice laboratory, work with career planning, and am developing a learning portfolio for students to work with during their four years with us.

  Location: Solon, IA

  Standard Set Answer:

  I currently have an island that was started by the IT department at the University of Iowa.  No one at the University had a sustained interest in deveoping and maintaining the island.  I need to learn enough to develop some learning environments regarding health care that can be utilized for educating students, or the college will not continue to support the endeavor.

  Public Set Answer:

  To me a MMORPG is a virtual world that has been modified so that certain roles and activities evolve normally from being in that world.  I've really only been in Second Life as a virtual world, and I look at the island I am working with as the terrain on which I want to create a MMORPG involving health care and caring for patients.  The more pre-programmed scenarios and interactions I can incorporate into my virtual world and the more interaction available, the more interesting the world will become and the more educational power it will have.

  I've never really discussed this with anyone else, since I am the only one at my college with any real interest in virtual worlds and trying to develop them.

• 
  AliceK   March 20, 2012, 7:29 p.m.

  Bio:

  A while back I completed a PhD in AIED - Artificial Intelligence in Education... helping learners to improve their self-assessment skills through chatting with their computer! More details on that at www.ai-research.org.uk/alicekerly and http://open.academia.edu/AliceKerly

  It was great fun, and after some time working in technology and training I had a hankering for more academic challenge and followed the OU's MA in Online and Distance Education programme to gain a PG Cert. 

  Now that's done too, P2PU looks like a fascinating way for me to combine my enjoyment for learning, with a great personal participatory experiment in innovation in elearning - a field I'm passionate about. 

  Location: UK

  Standard Set Answer:

  What made me interested in this topic?

  I did my PhD in AI in Education - specifically using a chatbot (conversational agent) to allow the learner to negotiate with their teaching system about what they knew. It helped develop metacognitive skills which are important in becoming an independent learner. I knew people working on integrating chatbots into virtual environments, but never quite got to that stage myself, though the scope and opportunities are very exciting.

  Since my PhD I've been able to dabble with virtual worlds at work a bit, with the intention of exploring their use for training and education purposes. I read some papers a couple of years ago, but my work role has changed meaning I don't get to do this stuff at the moment. I really want to know how things have moved on in the past couple of years and share that with a bunch of passionate people.

  What do I hope to achieve by participating? 

  I'd like to experience a range of ways virtual worlds and games can be used in education scenarios. I haven't had the opportunity to see examples of such innovation and so am excited about that. I'd love to have some great examples I can use to inspire and enthuse other educators who might not have tried this out before. 

  I'm also interested in all sorts of educational technology innovation and have had MOOCs in my peripheral vision for about 18 months but not been able to take part. In my Open University modules blogging played a big part, and that shared learning experience was really valuable. I'd love to see how far the MOOC concept extends and develops some of the benefits I experienced there.

  Am I interested in helping with the course organization?

  Yes! It would be great to find out if there's something I can offer...

  Public Set Answer:

  Do you think there is a difference between a virtual world and a MMORPG?

  Yes, I think so, though I'm a bit hesitant in my answer, not having really ever experienced MMORPGs. I know of WoW, and I might be able to come up with a name of another, but that's not too promising. On the other hand I can name a fair few virtual worlds and synthetic environments.

  My first reason for differentiating is based on the role playing aspect. I am assuming that the RPG of the MMORPG title indicates that you would always be role playing. Conversely I'd suggest that while you might role play in a virtual world, it's not a given - you might just as well be 'playing' yourself. If there are MMORPGs where you play yourself my argument would get fuzzy... I look forward to learning more!

  I'd also look at the use of the term 'game' in the MMORPG title. Do games by necessity have aims and rules? If so, I'd say that virtual worlds differ in that (while users in them in a particular context might have or impose aims or rules) they generally promote more free exploration, without any particular set of objectives. Users might enter and user a virtual world for a whole range of reasons, and these may or may not include gaming.

  Do you think most people would agree with you?

  Most people? Most people I speak to don't know what a virtual world is! There are plenty who haven't heard of even the big names like Second Life. I would have thought the same applies to MMORPGS. Despite a fairly geeky background and job I still don't actually know anyone who uses both virtual worlds and MMORPGs (if indeed they are different). 

• 
  Raul Mojica   March 20, 2012, 7 p.m.

  Bio:

  Hi, all

  Location: Mexico

  Standard Set Answer:

  Participar

  Aprender 

  colaborar en los proyectos en curso

  Public Set Answer:

  MMORPG es un entorno virtual multiusuario y es un videojuego

  Un Virtual Worlds es no es un videojuego 

  Si..

• 
  Carl Icann   March 20, 2012, 3:22 p.m.

  Bio:

  Location:

  Standard Set Answer:

  I attended and presented at VWBPE.

  I want to partiipate in the Machinima discussion next week in particular. I've got an idea for a new SL course (on machinima) and found great tools to support it. Would like to discuss.

  Public Set Answer:

  MUVE and MMORPG are not the same. A MUVE like opensim and SL is not a game. A MMORPG is.

• 
  Spiff   March 20, 2012, 2:10 p.m.

  Bio:

  Technology Coordinator Erie 1 Boces

  Location:

  Standard Set Answer:

  What made you interested in this topic?

  I have been working in Virtual Worlds since my introduction to Second Life in 2008. 

   

  What do you hope to achieve by participating?

  Get connections with other colleagues, learn about how they are using Virtual Environments in education

  Are you interested in helping with the course organization?

  Yes

  Public Set Answer:

  Do you think there is a difference between a virtual world and a MMORPG? Yes.  Virtual Environments are more free form.  Less reliance on points and levels and more reliance on personal interaction and building
  .

   

  Do you think most people would agree with you?

   Yes

• 
  Cybère   March 20, 2012, 4:17 a.m.

  Bio:

  Language Technology Specialist at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. Maintainng 3 computer language labs and training teaching staff and students in the integration of technology in language learning. Special interests revolve around situated learning, student motivation and emotional intelligence with the use of TBL in  3D environments.

  Location: New Zealand

  Standard Set Answer:

   

  • What made you interested in this topic?

  Virtual Worlds have a role to play in facilitating learning by increasing students' intrisic motivation through situated and simulated practice.

  • What do you hope to achieve by participating?

  Know more about other environments I haven't explored.

  • Are you interested in helping with the course organization?

  Sure if I am given the opportunity and if I can afford the time.

  Public Set Answer:

   

  • Do you think there is a difference between a virtual world and a MMORPG?

  yes a MMORPGs are played in a  Virtual Environment while the contrary doesn't always apply. Virtual platforms like Second Life and Open Grids are not game based unless one becomes part of a Role Play community.  In MMORPGs, the characteritics of game apply (rules, goal, feedback and reward). A vritual world is a mere environment in which communities are constructed  at times with a set of rules and mission determined by their members.

  • Do you think most people would agree with you?

  I hope so :)

• 
  Rosavioletta   March 19, 2012, 7:04 p.m.

  Bio:

  EFL Teacher to adults in company courses in Italy, I'm currently working independently to design a course to teach Italian online.

  Location: Italy

  Standard Set Answer:

  I was attracted by the possibility of group work  and I hope to achieve a deeper insight into different virtual environments. 

  I would be very happy to contribute to the organization of the machinima week, having presented a paper  at VWBPE on my first machinima experience, I'd very much welcome the chance to learn more and continue to feel ..."EPIC" !

  Public Set Answer:

  From what I understood so far the main characteristic of MMORPGs is they require participants to follow rules. and yes, I think most people who are aware of the meaning of the acronym would probably agree.

• 
  gardengirl   March 19, 2012, 4:10 p.m.

  Bio:

  History teacher -- Quilter -- Foodie -- Traveler -- Cubs fan --

  Location: Virginia

  Standard Set Answer:

  The topic is interesting to me because I want to learn more about Virtual Worlds and to gain some new skills.  I want to be able to begin implementing VW, Machinima, etc in my high school History classroom.  As far as helping with the course, I am not sure that there is much I can add at this point! 

  Public Set Answer:

  I think the two intersect.  I've never played anything like WoW (an MMORPG), but it seems that the activity there is more focused than it is in SL (a virtual world).  Both are rich environments and both are reliant on the interaction of individuals, mostly synchronous in time, although working with someone asychronously is possible.  My understanding is that MMORPGs have a goal that everyone is working to achieve together within one common realm (for lack of a better term) and it is more like a role play.  There are other kinds of interactive opportunities in a virtual world, and people can move from sim to sim independently and interact with others if they want to or not.  People who have experience with MMORPGs may disagree, and I'll readily admit that my impression of MMORPGs may be simplistic... but that's why I am here: to understand all this more clearly.

• 
  kimmer   March 19, 2012, 3:38 p.m.

  Bio:

  A classroom teacher for 10 years... I went to join the professional development team at the local PBS station and have been there for 10 years.  Loving the challenges and excitement of innovation, design, and outreach... searching for funding along with meeting educators and students of all ages in rural and urban communities is always the very best part of of my day!

  I am a mom of 4 - 16, 14, 8, 8, and a wife to a high school teacher - so I am reminded every day how hard classroom teaching is and how busy the world of school remains... I never forget how important it is to say thank you for everyone who helps make education a success. 

  Location: Arizona

  Standard Set Answer:

  I am interested in this topic for several reasons.  My own children are gamers and some mornings race to see who can get to their game first in the morning before they have ever had their cereal.  I have been a resident of Second Life since 2008 and marvel when I think about all the dimensions it has brought to my own "real life."  I game with my teenage children and enjoy it!  I actually took a course at Arizona State University so I could "learn" more about World of Warcraft and it helped me see more gain insight into the universe that is Horde and Alliance.

  I hope to participate and gain insight into other gamers' mindsets.  I want to know how and why all those "level 85" players continue on and then make other toons.  What do they find in the game for themselves professionally? 

  I also hope to gain additional insight into ways we can continue to build on the momentum started at VWBPE 2012.  It has been so disheartening to watch SecondLife dwindle from the standpoint of educators in virtual worlds are off doing their own things in open space.  It is not to discredit open source -- but rather a concern --- Teachers can't teach with their doors shut and not talk to other teachers.    Perhaps it is this course, and SIGVE, through central locations like Second Life special annual events - VWBPE, that can help maintain the conversations, momentum, and excitement.

  Public Set Answer:

  A virtual world is a place to build... and just "be."

   

  A MMORPG is a virtual game community with guidelines, expectations, and purpose.

   

  I would think most would agree. 

• 
  alysyn   March 19, 2012, 3:23 p.m.

  Bio:

  Avid gamer and single mother.  When I am not doing my motherly duties, or working with students, I enjoy playing Diablo III, COH, AION, Second Life and learning about the different ways to enhance my skills.

  Location: Colorado

  Standard Set Answer:

  I want to learn more about gamification and virtual worlds to help implement them in educational settings.  By participating I hope to both be able to help and train others who are interested in these areas.  I am very interested in helping in any way I can. 

  Public Set Answer:

  I do believe there is a difference only because in an MMORPG you are gaming where in a virtual world you might not be.  They are similar in social networking and they both are multi player.  The gaming aspect behind a MMORPG however is viewed differently by the gaming community.  In a virtual world there are usually no quests to do and nobody wins or looses.  In an MMORPG there are quests involved and you can win or loose.  You can find some sims in virtual worlds that have a base for MMORPG's like warzones and fighting arenas.

• 
  Beverly G. McCarter   March 19, 2012, 10:52 a.m.

  Bio:

  Beverly Gay McCarter is an architect/designer of 3D Immersive Virtual Spaces, whose company, Human Mosaic Systems, LLC, is located in Cary, NC (Research Triangle Park).
  She received her M.S. degree in Counseling Psychology and Human Systems from Florida State University, and her M.F.A. in Studio Art from the Memphis College of Art. Ms. McCarter is published in the field of Complexity; she is also certified in the areas of Self Organizing Systems for Complex Environments (Center for Self-Organizing Leadership), as well as in Virtual Worlds (University of Washington).

  Her “Maya Astronomy Center, Phases 1 & 2” is a finalist in the upcoming 2012 Federal Virtual Worlds Challenge - the winners will be announced at GameTech in Orlando this March 29, 2012.

  Ms. McCarter recently moved to the RTP area from DC where she worked with the National Defense University (managing the Federal Consortium for Virtual Worlds) and the Smithsonian Institute.
   

  LINKS:

  SL: Bev Landar SL: HMS Center Region 199/ 168/ 136

  HMS Center in Second Life SLurl: tinyurl.com/yzjckoq

  Location: Cary, NC (Research Triangle Park)

  Standard Set Answer:

  I'm particularly interested in cutting edge techniques for creating paradigm shifts in individual perspectives; particularly in how they can help unknot "Wicked Problems" in today's complex world. I'm certified in virtual worlds (architect/designer of virtual spaces), and certified in self-organizing systems (human interaction systems).

   

  By participating I hope to gain more insights into cutting edge creative use of this amazing technology.

   

  I wish I could help with the course organization, but my time is too limited right now.

  Public Set Answer:

  Do you think there is a difference between a virtual world and a MMORPG?

  Yes. Virtual Worlds are not scripted or defined regarding actions or behavior. They more closely model physical world human dynamics. That being said, MMORPG's can have similar dynamics in guild settings. The scripted part comes into play when players are interacting with NPCs which are scripted and not self-learning.

  Do you think most people would agree with you?

  I am not sure how many experience both types and, thus, how extensive their understanding of the topic may be.

• 
  Esparanza Freese   March 19, 2012, 8:06 a.m.

  Bio:

  I am a career educator headed toward retirement soon, but want to stay activiely involved in new and emerging technologies in education. I've been a K-12 classroom teacher, district curriculum supervisor, college and university adjunct professor, university educational program manager, grant writer and virtual worlds educator and content developer.  I am a published author on copyright issues in education and virtual world's educational case-studies.

  Location: Tampa Bay, Florida

  Standard Set Answer:

  The desire to learn more about how educators are using new and emerging technologies in education.

  Public Set Answer: