Second Life ™

Tonight over 30 people were dazzled by presenter Lyndsay Rhiano (SL), Lynn Reedy (RL), an Exemplar SMARTboard trainer,  as she shared ways to integrate DE streaming with the SMARTboard to engage student learning.  After a just in time tutorial on how to set preferences to view video in SL,  we watched a video tutorial on how to download a DE streaming clip, view it with the SMART video player ( PC only), then write notes on the video and capture those pages. Then, using  Veodia and a desktop sharing software she showed live the notebook software’s cool new magic pen, that spotlights and magnifies by drawing a circle or square on the graphic or text on the SMARTboard

Also shared was how to incorporate Senteo student response systems with the DE streaming quizzes, where to find resources to use with SMARTboards, connect with other SMARTboard users and suggestions for how to get funding. The whole presentation was just awesome! Enjoy these photos by Riptide Furse.

Next up we continue with Shark Week activities. The raffle ball is still out to win shark t-shirts, shark tooth necklaces and other surprises.  Continue watching those Shark videos on Discovery Channel so you are prepared for Shark Trivia on Sunday, Aug 3rd at 5 PM SLT ( 7 PM CDT, 8 PM EST).

We have quite a bit going on for Shark Week. Our raffle ball is back!

This time it is loaded with stuff. We have 5 different tshirts specially designed for the DEN in SL Shark Week event. Collect all 5. Remember the raffle ball goes off every 11 minutes and awards a random prize to a random person as long as at 3 people are present. So bring a friend and lounge by the pool.

Another great item that you can win from the ball is a gift certificate to Burning Tiki for a genuine SL Shark Tooth Necklace. This has be generously donated by the owner of Burning Tiki, Kenbro Utu. When you win the GC, just drop it on Kenbro’s profil and IM him if you want a male or female necklace. If you have time, stop by Burning Tiki for more jewelry, sandals, shorts, and beach furniture. Also don’t forget to tell Kenbro thanks for supporting the DEN!
posted by Riptide Furse on Plush Elektra using a blogHUD : [blogHUD permalink]

The first ever Discovery Educator Network Shark Week Dive was a huge success! We had up to 60 avatars take diving tours through PADI Dive World. The folks at PADI had done a terrific job stocking their ocean with a variety of shark species and had lots of information to give us about each one. After the dive, participants had a chance to do a scavenger hunt, dance, ride hovercrafts (and race them!), and I even had the opportunity to explore the deep ocean in a submersible.

Three lucky scavenger hunt winners received special gifts, including an anniversary set of Shark Week DVDs! Overall, the event was a great experience, one that was far superior to many in Second Life. Kaikou’s attention to detail when building the Dive World experience was incredible!

If you ever get a chance, visit the PADI Dive World folks (they show up in search), and tell them the DEN sent you!

Are you ready?   It’s Shark Week!!  Check your local TV Guide for times on the Discovery Channel  this whole week to watch shark videos or check out the Discovery Channel on YouTube. Or who knows maybe we’ll watch videos at the DEN in SL HQ.  Come join us for a week of fun from Sharks to Smartboards. Come swim with Denny the shark in our pool, or just chat with our DEN guides and other DENizens.  There will be prizes throughout the week, Shark T-shirts for SL and RL, Shark DVD’s and lots of surprises.

Monday, July 28th, if you pre - registered,  we will begin the week with  “Swim with the Sharks Underwater Scuba Adventure”.  Meet us at the DEN HQ at 4:45 SLT for the landmark to the Dive World Sim where we will enjoy a scavenger hunt ( with prizes ), receive dive gear and go on a  tour into the ocean depths with our capable and knowledgeable guides from PADI (Prof. Association of Diving Instructors) and then dance at the Tiki Bar.  The first dive is at 5 PM SLT (5pm PST, 7 pm CST and 8pm EST).  Groups will rotate between the scavenger hunt and the ocean dive. And there are other activities as well!

Wed, July 3oth join us for our our Wednesday Workshop “Streaming with SMARTboards: Opening a Window to the Digital World”

PRESENTER: Lyndsay Rhiano

DESCRIPTION:  Do you currently have a SMARTboard in your classroom or
district?  Did you know that Discovery Streaming can be seamlessly integrated with your SMARTboard?  During this workshop you will learn about ways to integrate Discovery Streaming, various funding strategies, be provided with resources for implementation, and information on programs that SMART Technologies provides SMART educators.
SLT TIME: 5:00 P.M. SLT ( 7 PM CDT, 8 PM EST)

And then we end the week on August 3rd, with Shark Trivia! How much did you learn this week about sharks? We will test your knowledge, and of course there will be prizes!  Join us at the DEN in SL at 5 PM SLT  (5pm PST, 7 pm CST and 8pm EST).

The August calendar will be available soon. But, start shopping for that formal wear, Aug 20th is the DEN in SL 1st anniversary gala! Save the Date! It’s going to be an event you won’t want to miss.

The new DEN HQ tower was home to tonight’s workshop featuring QAvimator, the free app that allows you to create animations for your avatar. Around 30 avatars sat around the circle as Celestia Cazalet (cough, cough - ME) walked them through the very basics of using the program. Celestia warned everyone that working with this program may mean hours and hours of attention if the animation is detailed. Participants learned how to move the parts of their avatar’s body and form an animation. They also learned how to upload it, play it, and place it in a pose ball or other prim.

I personally enjoyed when I showed everyone the animation the presentation outlined - Lor Fredriksson came up with the perfect name for it - “the diva”. Although I’m going to have to work on it a little more, I have to agree - it does look perfect for the diva look!

After the workshop, many of the participants vowed to work on new animations and show them off at the DEN. Emmo Wei already made a “yes” animation that nods an avatars head when used - great job! Emmo then changed into a tiny avatar and became Lor’s new little friend.

As promised, you may download the presentation (sleasier.pdf). It is just pictures, but still it gives you an idea). I’m also listing a few good tutorials for you to visit in case you missed the workshop. One very important thing I mentioned in the workshop that you must remember, save your file as a .bvh file or else it will not upload for you!

Mermaid Diaries - Creating Poses Part 1 - this is the first tutorial I used when learning

Torley Linden always has great video tutorials and is much better at explaining QAvimator than I - check this out:

Take a bite out of Shark Week. Don’t miss an episode! We are very excited about Shark Week and have planned several activities at the DEN in SL.

http://dsc.discovery.com/convergence/sharkweek/sharkweek.html

What do Whale Sharks, Hammerheads, Mako Sharks and teachers have in common? They can all be seen at the DEN in Second Life “Swim with Sharks Underwater Scuba Adventure” on Monday July 28th at 5 pm SLT (5pm PST, 7 pm CST and 8pm EST)! Everyone who pre-registers will receive a complete Scuba Diving outfit with equipment for free. (If you miss the pre-registration you can still participate however you will not get the free equipment.)

Yes, you heard it here, the DEN in Second Life will be journeying to the depths of the ocean with “http://www.padi.com/padi/default.aspx” PADI (Prof. Association of Diving Instructors) as our guides. Our underwater adventure will begin with a fun scavenger hunt on the Dive World Sim (complete with prizes of course), continue with our journey to the ocean depths with our capable and knowledgeable guides from PADI and then end with celebratory dancing at the Tiki Bar. It’s going to a be a wonderfully fun learning experience and we want you to join us!

Even if you have never set foot in Second Life we can help you! Please sign up for a dive time “http://densl-sharkdive.wikispaces.com/“. (If you need additional help getting on the island please indicate that on the wiki and we will contact you for a time.)This is a great opportunity for you to get involved with the DEN in SL and see just what kinds of things are possible in Second Life. We hope to see you all there soon!

Event: Swim with the Sharks Underwater Scuba Adventure
When: Mon July 28
Time: 5 pm SLT (5pm, PST, 7 pm CST and 8pm EST)
RSVP: Pre-register by Sat July 26th http://densl-sharkdive.wikispaces.com/

Remember Shark Week begins on the Discovery Channel at 9PM EST on July 27.

We all love things that are free and we all want things to be easier!  SO please join our own Celestia Cazalet in the first of a three part series called  “Making Your Second Life(tm) Easier”.  Celestia will introduce you to free programs and websites that can enhance your Second Life(tm) experience. This week’s topic: QAvimator. Find out how to make your own animations. Come prepared to share your own discoveries, as well.

When: July 23, 2008

Where: DEN in SL HQ

Time: 5:00 P.M. SLT ( 7 PM CDT, 8 PM EST)

The DEN is SL welcomed more than 17 educators to Second life on Wed at our Newbie 101 session.  Lead by JessieMarie Flannagan these new avatars were lead through the basics of communicating and navigation in SL.  We explored the menus, how to set preferences, very basic organization tips for Inventory and helped them join the DEN is Sl. Later some members of the class moved to the Sand Box to learn how to open all those freebie boxes they have been receiving. Others received some one on one support. If you are ever need a hand please do not hesitate to contact a member of the Leadership Council or DEN Guide we are eager and happy to help you.

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It’s ‘technically’ Sunday although I’ve yet to go to bed and awaken to a Sunday morning.  Last minute deadlines and packing for the trip to the DEN Leadership Council Institute in Silver Springs, Maryland are making my ‘to do’ list rather long.  I figured I’d check one item off, a ‘Gentle Reminder’ post, so here it is:

Don’t forget to join us this Wednesday for a Newbie 101 workshop presented by our very own, very talented (drumroll please…) JessieMarie Flanagan!  That’s right folks, while four members of the DEN in SL LC will be in Silver Springs, JessieMarie is stepping up to offer this fabulous workshop.  Are you new to Second Life?  Come join JessieMarie as she takes you on a tour of the functions of the various menus and toolbars, you’ll also have the opportunity to ask questions, and who knows? a shopping trip just might round out the evening!  (Oh, oh…Laelia may have to cut her Wednesday evening activities short to jump in-world for that part! LOL)

PLEASE NOTE:  THIS WORKSHOP IS SCHEDULED ONE HOUR LATER THAN NORMAL

6 p.m. SLT (8 p.m. CST, 9 p.m. EST)

If you don’t have Beth’s Thoughts on Technology in the Classroom on your blog reader, you should.  I know Beth Knittle through our work together as part of the Leadership Council for the DEN in SL.  We met for the first time in real life at NECC 2008 and I was thrilled to be able to cement a friendship in real life that had been taking place virtually.   Beth is currently a K-12 Technology Integration Specialist after having spent close to 20 years as a Science teacher.  Her blog covers topics of interest to her, such as, technology (of course! LOL), education, instruction, and Universal Design for Learning. 

Her recent post, Growing the Den in SL is insightful and informative, but don’t just take my word for it, check it out for yourself!