EDUCAUSE Now - Show #7 - Virtual Worlds

Welcome to our Virtual Worlds edition of EDUCAUSE Now! Join co-hosts Gerry Bayne and Colleen Luckett for a look at the intelligent use of Virtual Worlds. How can Second Life be best utilized in a curriculum? What virtual world is best for your institution? Take a listen and find out!

Each episode of EDUCAUSE Now features a variety of stories, interviews, and views that relate to IT in higher education. Let us know what you would like to hear at podcast@educause.edu.

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This episode of EDUCAUSE Now features:

ELI In Conversation: Second Life in Curriculum
(02:05–09:28)
At the ELI 2008 Annual Conference, a roundtable discussion on virtual world was recorded for podcast. This episode of EDUCAUSE Now features an excerpt of the longer conversation. The participants include:

• Sarah Smith Robbins, PhD Candidate at Ball State University.
• Teshia Roby, Assistant Professor of Educational Multimedia at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
• Chris Johnson, Adjunct Assistant Professor at The University of Arizona.
  

Commentary from EDUCAUSE President Diana Oblinger
(09:29–12:24)
Diana considers how virtual worlds fit into the larger picture of socio-technical systems.

Which Virtual World is Right for Your Institution?
(12:58–20:24)
Virtual worlds have great potential in education, but much needs to be learned about them. One of the biggest questions is whether the best venue is the public mixed-use virtual world, a private education-only space, or a hybrid. We spoke with Donald J. Welch, President and CEO, Merit Network, Inc., who presented the session, “Virtual Worlds: Which Type is Right for Your Institution,” at the 2008 EDUCAUSE Midwest Regional Conference.

Music for EDUCAUSE Now:

• "Symmetry and the Pocket of Angels" by  Josh Woodward
• "Lazy Afternoon Sun" by Ekayani & the Healing Band
• "F1-11" by Blues Garden