Posts I’m running the first of three “Discover your Second Life” workshops at work tomorrow. Below are four slideshows I will use to guide people through some background to Second Life, creating an avatar, getting through Orientation Island and then finally completing a “Treasure Hunt” designed to familiarise them with the interface on Murdoch University Island.
I played around with SnagIt to capture images from Second Life and then caption them. Easier than using the snapshot tool within Second Life.
For previous workshops, I have just had a few images on a wiki ( Murdoch Second Life ). I decided to try doing a screenshot for most screens in the process this time. I embedded the slideshows in the class wiki so people can follow along in class or used them as a resource after the class.
Second Life training NEVER goes according to plan, so I wonder whether it will be too structured. I was also struck by how complex the screens all seemed when each one is shown. When people have to work out what goes next, it doesn’t seem like so many steps or so complex. I wonder whether it will be a bit more off-putting than my last workshops where I just showed people what to do and said “now, go for it”?
During the Treasure Hunt, I also give them a “how to” notecard with instructions how to complete each station. I also have some good old print handouts.
I just hope I don’t get caught out by the Rolling Restart possibly planned to happen during the workshop.
Anyhow, here’s the slideshows.
Second Life Workshop Background
Orientation Island in Second Life
Second Life Treasure Hunt – Murdoch University Library
I was also struck by how complex the screens all seemed when each one is shown.
I don’t know, but I would guess that there are enough users who would be more comfortable with the level of detail you provide in these slides. I think they look great as usual.
When people have to work out what goes next, it doesn’t seem like so many steps or so complex. I wonder whether it will be a bit more off-putting than my last workshops where I just showed people what to do and said “now, go for it”?
Again, I think it will depend a lot on the comfort level of your audience. I’m interested to hear how it compares for you!
Hi Meg. Well, I think the slides made it take longer and left a bit less time for people to explore for themselves. When they did explore, I think they were more able to find their way about.
As usual I had one “oh wow – I’m going to play with this as soon as I get home” and one “I’m trying my hardest but I’m just too unfamiliar with my PC”.
Hi Kathryn,
A few colleagues and I are booked in for your session in Melbourne. I am a Second Life Skeptic, but I’m open to the possibility that I just don’t get it!
Second life is something that we are curious about, but really have no idea why it is better than say a webinar and a wiki.
The slides look great, I’m really looking forward to getting in and trying to make sense of it all.
cheers
mick
Hi Mick.
Looking forward to meeting you in Melbourne.
I’m just putting the finishing touches on the May workshop in the next few weeks. There’s lots of “how to” and tips, but I’m also building in quite a bit of exploring time.
I figure that you are away from the office anyhow, you probably won’t get time to play with Second Life in your regular lives, so I want to let you follow up the bits that most interest you. And, of course, be on hand to share what I’ve learned as you explore.
I hope to learn at least 5 new ways of doing things from participants. I think that I’ll ask you at the end of the day how you find Second Life different to a webinar or a wiki – I think you’ll have a very interesting answer which is probably very different to what I’d say.
Hey Kathryn,
Sounds great, I really like to get in and explore. I have tried a couple of times with SL but I’ve not managed to figure it out. Your guidance will be greatly appreciated!
cheers
m
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