A brief presentation on how we are using Second life and other 3D technologies for creating virtual learning spaces.

1. Virtual Educational Spaces the virtual field school project Robyn Herry (rh11@txstate.edu) Emin Saglamer (es26@txstate.edu)

2. El Cerrito Village, New Mexico

3. Potential Platforms forCreating the Virtual Field School

4. Google SketchUp PROS Free download Intuitive Interface Browser plug-in Powerful 3D modeling tools Google Earth integration Prefab assets User community Accurate topography Easy to share, small data files CONS Non-intuitive navigation Not immersive Solitary interaction Non collaborative process Non-persistent

5. Second Life PROS Immersive Self-contained Pre-existing community Integrated authoring tools Integrated 3rd person POV Compatibility CONS Accuracy of topography Learning curve No web plug-in Land prices / fees 3rd party company Lag Control Permissions Security Change control

6. Unity PROS Powerful tools Accuracy Lighting Geography Detail Realism Distribution Web plug-in Stand alone CONS Steep learning curve Significant development time investment Not self-contained Not multi-player

7. OpenSim What is OpenSim? Second Life running on our own servers Open source Unlimited virtual space Full control Dedicated to educational use Content is owned by us Governed by our own rules and policies

8. DEMONSTRATIONS

9. Virtual Field School Tour

10. QUESTIONS?