Skoolaborate

It's Been A Busy Summer! - Chinese Museum spreads the culture

This post is by David Cox about their plans for Skoolaborate.

Students from 1on1 English Language School, in Taiwan, have been busy working on projects for our "Cultural Area" build located near the Orientation Tower.
This space has been allocated for us to spotlight student projects reflecting local and Chinese culture.  Our students have been very engaged in several projects that will be added to the area.  We currently have two buildings under construction.

The first building is a pagoda that will house student projects.  The structure is being designed so that through scripting, it will open up to reveal the content within.  Each student has been researching a person, story or event from Chinese/Taiwanese history that they feel would be interesting to share with other Skoolaborators.  Each completed project will be displayed in the pagoda, showcasing each individually.

The second building is a Chinese-style store.  Students are currently brainstorming ideas for Chinese items that they can make and place for sale in the store.  Some ideas going around:  Clothing (Qi Pao, T-shirts), Kites (scripted for flight), Games (traditional toys: scripted tops).

We plan to add several more buildings to the area.  One such building will be a take out restaurant.  Students are making a list of the most interesting local delicacies.  They will provide a photo, Chinese/English name, and a description in English of the dish.  They will collectively put together a menu, and a photo display of each dish.  The customer will be served the actual meal, to go of course!

The largest building will be a Confucius Temple, as he is the most revered teacher in China.  Information concerning him is being gathered as an ongoing project.  There is an actual Confucius temple not far from where we live.  Students are finding/taking photos, so that we may model our temple after it.
We are hoping to put a Confucius avatar there, who will hand out notecards, each with a wise saying.  Lots of information for students to work with. I have been working together with Jeremy Koester and Eloise Pasteur in developing a word skills game, similar to hangman, that will post high scores and names of players.  It will offer translated clues for students who are still practicing English.  The Confucius Temple seems a fitting place for this game to be placed.  Hopefully, we can have the game up and running by mid 2009.

A Chinese Traditional Medicine shop was the brilliant idea of one of my students.  Everyone is on a task to identify the most common ailmets.  Along with the ailments, they list the medicine used and how to prepare it, and photos of the actual medicine.  I'm really excited about this, as I am learning a lot of interesting information.

Each student shares documents through Google as part of a collaborative group.
They log on and add info to the documents when they have the time, and then I discuss this with them in class.  As you can imagine, it is a difficult task for them to pull all the information together, translate, and combine it into something that conveys their message well.  I think the key here is in not rushing them. These are on-going projects that will unfold in time.  The list of projects is pretty long, but they are steadily working away, and making good progress.

When the buildings have been completed, the students will put together vocabulary and expressions that would be expected of a person working in a particular store.  What greetings and helpful knowledge would be important in dealing with customers?  After they have the information prepared, we can have each student take turns as the proprieter of the shop.  Roleplaying in the best environment imaginable, with students from around the world.  This has great potential.

I am trully excited about the future of English2ndLife and its partnership with Skoolaborate.  The technology is here, the students are ready, let's take education to the next level!

Please become a member of English2ndLife at http://www.english2ndlife.ning.com

New Friends I've Met Somewhere Before...

After a week of reflecting back on the time I spent in Sydney, I thought I'd add a few of my impressions to the blog...

It's been about a year since our school first joined Skoolaborate.  At that time, there were only about three of us: MLC School, Christ's College, and Kyoto Gakuen.  In retrospect, I can say that the decision to join was a difficult one because we in Kyoto felt that our hands were full with another Second Life project - the Pacific Rim eXchange.  However, after talking with Westley, I felt that we would be joining a very competent group of teachers and students in the Oceania region which also had the advantage of being closer to our own time zone here in Japan.  Though most of the first year was spent developing projects and a system to communicate among all the participating schools, we still managed to do a few joint projects and grow from a base of a few schools to the 15+ schools we have now. 

Congress '08 was the icing on the cake as many of us were able to meet in person for the first time.  For me, and I'm sure for the others in attendance,  this was the best part of the project thus far.  It's truly amazing that we have developed professional relationships online without ever meeting in person.  Through the various video conferences, iChat sessions, and in-world conversations we've had, most of us knew each other before actually meeting face-to-face.  It's a strange feeling to arrive in a country you've never been to, meet people you've never shaken hands with before, and then reminisce about all the things that have been accomplished together throughout the past year.  This, I suppose, is the power of the Internet, Second Life, and global communication.  Though I'm writing from a teacher's perspective, I imagine the feeling was the same for most of the students...

I want to thank everyone I met at the Congress - the students, developers, teachers, and administrators alike.  Outside of the workshops and lessons we were involved in, I found all of you to be extremely motivated and interesting people to talk to.  It's good to get together and share ideas with people who not only understand everything you are saying, but also contribute to the conversation with their own thoughts and constructive criticisms.  I think we make a pretty good team, and I'm looking forward to putting some of those ideas into practice in the coming months...

Chris Flesuras
Kyoto Gakuen High School

Feeling Old

From Emily (MLC School Student)
I was looking around Skoolaborate and a thought suddenly occurred to me everything has changed completely from how it was in the beginning.
At the beginning it was one Island with some boxes around, then the first 3 room tower and the apartments built by Natalia were added and we all had the Sims looking hair.

Now all that is gone. A new Tower has been built, a new apartment block has been created, more islands have been added, groups have been created, new objects and gadgets, Fashions and heaps more. Looking back its only been about a year since I joined the Skoolaborate Project and it feels like its been apart of my entire life. I feel like saying "In the old days..."
In the picture below:
- notice my sim like hair,
- the market below my avatar,
- the 3 room tower in the background,
- on the left hand side is the School that, at least, hasn't changed except in name (now called Learning Centre) and
- on the right hand side, the edge of the building is the old apartment building

Social Action

Westley Field from MLC School met Holly Willis, Director of Academic Programs School of Cinematic Arts at USC (University of Southern California).

They are really pushing some boundaries there and we are exploring ways that the students at MLC School in Sydney and those in Skoolaborate could work together to create some academically rigourous units of work and virtual experiences around media literacies, machinema and working with disadvantaged youth.

To get some idea of what they are up to read 'Click here for Torture'.  Also check out this video - food for thought....

Clean Up please

One of the issues we struggle with in our community is students and teachers leaving their builds or general rubbish laying around.  We are developing strategies with certain students having return rights etc but is there an easy way to take your builds with you?

I just came across this interesting article and you tube video that shows how some companies are recognising the issue.  Basically it explains how this company has invented a way that you can go back and forward through interactions of building designs, collaborate and move in different directions, save it all and be able to view history - much like wiki entries only for builds.

I guess teaching our kids how to put their stuff away and be smart about it is teaching them how to operate in these future (fast becoming present) environments.

The wiki-tree functions like a 3-D rendered wiki so instead of seeing a line-by-line edit, you see each iteration of a 3-dimensional model but also “branches” and “leaves” representing the different versions and direction of the changes. Collaborators can build onto the existing model, vote on modifications, revert to a previous version, and contribute to the design process from anywhere in the world.

Re Development par for the course

A recent trip to Singapore combined with some technical hitches in  current programming have caused a rethink of Skoolaborate's layout  The result will solve several issues and will take us further towards our desired objectives

Redevelopment is par for the course with virtual worlds. Both to stimulate new ideas and to generate ongoing challenges for students.

Initially we started with four islands (represented as squares) joined as below. Each island was to reflect a major theme related to our objectives.  An art gallery, for example would be built in the cultural area, a classroom in the learning area.  Whilst the plan was solid the technology did not allow the center area to function properly as crossing sims produced many difficulties like falling through floors etc.

We discussed many ideas around which way we could go. Chris quickly sketched  the following diagrams that summarised our ideas.

In this arrangement (a birds eye view) the Center Sim will be at ground level with the other sims high above (to accommodate the Dioramas described below) Later the middle sim will form a large 'diorama' like space that can be used for themed group projects. For example our first project will be to create a global zoo that houses samples of and information about endangered species from each participating country and how to protect their environments. Another to create a united nations area with displays from each partner school.

        The Green squares represent dioromas (80m x 60m x 50m). These dioramas will allow schools to add 'mini environments' as projects. For example MLC would like to create a diorama about Broken Hill (outback Australia) . It will contain Movies, pictures and stories as well as host scenes (including dust storms and old shacks etc) Other student could then visit to get a feel for the outback and learn more about that environment.

Christ College will do one about Antarctica. In the end we will have several student constructed environments that will allow other students to compare and contrast each one. They will act as 3D brouchures to entice real world exchanges.

The orange squares (80m x 80m x 50m) can either be used as Machinema studios or provide another function as partners gain understanding of how to use them.

Each of these will be hidden so as not to affect the general look and feel of the site and will be accessed via teleports built into the navigation structure.

The center will feature our 'Welcome tower' that will lead students through a series of practical tasks as an orientation to the island.  The zoo would be beneath he towers.

Below Chris provided a cross sectional view.

I will post short movies once there features are developed.

Skoolaborate Congress 08

It is on!  Our first international congress with 4 of our 7 countries.  The others will attend the virtual congress (as soon as we figure out how to do that).  We also have limited spaces for those that just want to observe and listen. Apply here. (westley@mac.com).

It is a project based congress where students and teachers choose projects that require  skills such as concept design, building, scripting, art work, landscaping etc.  They then access experts to  assist them in areas of need.  The days will also be scattered with short Keynotes from World Leaders in the area.

My Principal Mrs Barbara Stone would like to officially invite your teachers and students to attend our first 'Skoolaborate Congress' at MLC School in July 2008.

We are keen to encourage this important global collaboration opportunity amongst our communities. The congress will provide a significant boost to the skill levels and understandings of the staff and students who participate. They will make a significant step toward building those skills they need to succeed in a increasingly global workplace.

We look forward to establishing and ongoing relationship between our schools. I appreciate the interest and commitment that your staff have shown in making our initiative one of the most significant of it's kind, worldwide.

When: July 31st / 1st / 2nd of August.

Where: MLC School, Sydney Australia.

Why: The aim of the congress is to:

• Explore possibilities for virtual and blended learning experiences for schools
• Build professional Networks
• Cement relationships between the participating schools, teachers and students
• Build capacity for students and teachers to operate in Skoolaborate
• Share vision and understanding of the initiative
• Initiate our first virtual congress

Congress Fee: There will be a congress participation fee of $500 for non partners $200 for partners. 

A light lunch and recess will be provided during the congress

Who:
All current Skoolaborate partners, those interested in joining the initiative or those interested in how virtual worlds operate in schools. Each ten students must be accompanied by a teacher. So far we have ...

MLC School - Sydney Australia
Kyoto Gakuen School - Kyoto Japan
Christ College - Christchurch New Zealand
HWA Chong Institution - Singapore
Hobart College - Hobart Tasmania
Victoria University / Debney Park School
Melbourne Grammar School Victoria

Guest Presenters:

Mike Mikula Teen Builder - Mike recently was named in the Wall Street Journal as being one of the most entreprenerial students on the planet. Mike is arguably the best 'teen' builder in Virtual Worlds

Michelle Selinger - Director of Education Asia Pacific Public Sector Cisco Systems. Michelle is involved in the World Economic Forum’s Global Education Initiative having worked extensively on the inaugural Jordan Education Initiative as the education strategist for the Program Management Office and advised on the Egyptian Education Initiative and Partnerships for Education. UNESCO are about to launch a set of ICT teacher training competency standards which she helped to develop. Michelle will give us a comprehensive global picture.

Barry Harper - Dean of Education Wollongong University (retired) Barry is well known internationally for his innovative leadership in the development of multi media products. Barry brings a wealth of knowledge to the Project and is looking at how Wollongong can be more closely involved with Skoolaborate.

Lindy Mckewon - ISTE Leader of the year 06. - Lindy is a highly respected Virtual worlds consultant who has led many educational developments using virtual worlds. Lindy is a regular international speaker and consultant to large corporations such as Xerox.

From Crayons to Perfumes.

'Our Mike' - How proud we are.

On the weekend Mike truly found success.  Part of the lead story in the Wall Street Journal no less.

It seems like yesterday that I bumped into this young lad visiting our islands.  He was a confident brash kid, very confident in his abilities and very ready to show them off.  He certainly had amazing building skills and impressed everyone with his first building on Skoolaborate (the learning centre, a replica of MLC School)  That was when I realised how quick things could happen. I was still thinking about what I wanted to put in the building when Mike had finished it. I also remember a concerned Mum hastling him to get off his computer.

No, I  said,  those chairs are in a straight line, we can't have that, we need round tables for collaboration, we need colourful carpet and more comfortable furniture.  I was learning about Mike and he was learning about our vision at MLC. We haggled, argued, compromised and got it done.

And there lies the true value of Mike Mikula. 

In response to the article,  I have  had potential teen builders contacting me from all over the world.  Their comments stating how they are just as good at building  as Mike etc Why not pay me to work for you?  So I guess I should explain why.

The reason I believe Mike is successful and will continue to be successful has very little to do with his outstanding building skills.  It has everything to do with his character.  Mike is a young man full of integrity. Integrity sometimes seems an old fashioned value, but it is the value that employers seek. 

Mike, at no stage asked to be paid for  his work, he volunteered for Skoolaborate and contributed in so many ways beyond building.  Mike has presented at conferences virtually, been interviewed by principals on the realities of life in second life, provided technical support, provided professional development and more.  What I was most impressed with was his mentoring of other students.  I would often visit the islands  and find Mike deeply involved with his mentoring of those students.  He would not cut them short and talk to me but rather finish  mentoring them and get back to me later. 

Mike and I have spent many hours together dealing with many of life's experiences and Mike has always listened to any advice I may offer.  Sometimes he would take that advice and sometimes come up with his own plan.

I guess the lesson is simple.  Do your best, be honest and true and opportunities will come your way.  In the end I, as an employer, felt compelled to reward Mike for all his hard work.

Mike will be visiting us at MLC School in Sydney, Australia in July to deliver his first keynote and work with our Skoolaborate students at our first international conference. 

During his visit he will be meeting with Ed Lippman, the architect that worked with him on the virtual version of our new  school.  Ed is keen to explore how he and Mike can develop a closer working relationship (big possibilities).  To start with they will tour Ed's new $120m dollar development then negotiate over how Mike may re create it in Second Life and finally discuss what else might be. 

At the pace that Mike is rising, Ed may need to get in quick. 

As for Mike and Skoolaborate, he is a part of our fabric and I have all faith that Mike will always support us as best he can- that is the quality of this outstanding young man. 

I must also say a big thanks to Mike's Mum who was willing to change her view of what Mike was doing (waisting his time on that computer!) to see that her son was actually doing world changing feats for students and teachers all around the world. That open mindedness and flexibility of mind are just two of the gifts Mike's mum has passed down.  You should be very proud Mrs Mike, I know I am - well done Mike.

For the  history of Mike's story on Skoolaborate see the Mike's Story Category - plenty more to come here.

Christmas in Skoolaborate

A sample of student talk - During the Christmas brake i was inspired by a cute little house I saw on one of the islands on Skoolaborate (I think it was near the Pier) called Santa's house.. or something and it was sooooo cute
people had made themselves Christmas trees with angels and other cute things so I thought I'd put in my bit.

I added some script to the Santa so that when you sit on his lap you get a Present of a cute little snowman who follows you around its from me to you and he randomly says things like "Milk and cookies are the best" and "Christmas is over why am i still here"
I took him, the snowman and Christmas tree away 12 days after Christmas I'm planning on showing some people coming to my school on Tuesday next week at 2.30pm (Sydney time) but if you see me online you can just ask me to show you i'm very proud of how well it turned out but i don't think that many people came online during to holidays so not very many people saw it :)

From Emily (Student at MLC)

p.s I've added a link for all of you to see my Santa Script to see how it works or whatever

How Santa works

Milford High School begins "Skoolaborating"

Second Life sounded like a crazy idea. My son and his wife, who both hold graduate degrees, tried to get me involved by telling me about avatars and flying and virtual spaces and I just smiled and shook my head.

But seeing a virtual environment did get me interested. Looking over their shoulders, I watched them meet people from around the world and build and design and think - think globally. I wanted that and joined about 2 years ago. I attended an education conference in SL; I practiced my fragile Italian language skills and held a teachers' meeting at Aretao SL headquarters in Sibine at which a Danish presenter showed us new tools for training success.

Meanwhile, I went to school everyday to teach English at Milford High School.

One Monday, one of my top students named Adam asked me for the work for Tuesday because he was going to be waiting in line to be one of the first to buy a new game, violent by reputation. When I teased him about it, he (respectfully) told me why he played and what he got out of it.Then it dawned on me: how much he would get out of Second Life with his creativity and his humor and his willingness to learn and meet people all over the world. Like the "perfect storm," everything came together because I was in  a program called Leadership Teacher.  What if I could find a way to match the talents and interests of students like Adam with a Second Life environment?

But since SL is for those over 18, I had to find something else. It occurred to me that I had a lot to learn and that a project that was currently running might be willing to mentor me through the process. I went to the site for educators and found something  better: Skoolaborators!

But would they want us? Was their a cost? Could I communicate my vision to the administrators at my school? Would students be interested? Happy ending in my next post...

By the way,Milford, New Hampshire USA was the town of my grandparents who came to North America in 1917. It was established early in the history of the US but still has much of its traditional New England look: gazebo on a common (we call it the "Oval"), and granite everywhere; after all NH is "The Granite State" and Milford is the "Granite Town." Would the idea of Skoolaborate seem "rock solid" to the decision makers in a public school in America?