Seniors in second life

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Seniors in second life

• Creating a Virtual Learning Space for Senior
  Citizens

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The Rationale for Project

• Senior Citizens represent the fastest growing
  demographic worldwide.
• According to 2000 U.S. Census, there are 35
  million people 65 or older , and by 2030, it is
  estimated that there will be about 70 million
  older adults in the U.S. alone.
• With the increasing exposure to computers and
  technology, senior citizens need to know what
  computers can do to improve their lives, i.e.
  email, online games, Internet.

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What is Second Life?

• An Internet-based, multi-user, 3-D world
  construction set that emphasizes creativity,
  collaboration, socializing, and self-government.
• A community with a group of residents who create,
  live, and interact in a 3-D online world owned
  and operated by Linden Labs.
• Real-life people are represented as avatars.
• Communicate with Second Life through chat or
  instant message.
• Land can be owned and rented.
• Can construct houses, buildings, landscapes.

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Previous Work

• Workshops this summer with OLLI (Osher Lifelong
  Learning Institute) members.
• Familiarize and explore the virtual world of
  Second Life.
• Orientation Island
• Health Info Island
• Virtual Starry Night
• Land of Lincoln
• Pre-questionnaires and post-experience surveys
  completed.

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Project Description

• Virtual Classrooms constructed on an island in
  Second Life (Prize Peninsula).
• Need developers familiar with web-based
  applications and scripting languages to help
  create these virtual classrooms.
• Classrooms have 1-2 lessons created by each
  developer based on men hobbies, women hobbies,
  and technology concepts (email, MS Office)
• Tutorial to support lessons created as a voice
  stream or thread.

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Project Description

• Each week you will be required to find one paper
  supporting senior citizens using computers,
  Second Life, CSCW, or training with pedagogical
  agents.
• This project will support the Senior Community
  with a future goal of helping teach other
  communities (e.g. K-12 and adult education).
• This Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW)
  will enhance the quality of life of seniors as
  well as increase their computer efficacy and
  cybertrust.

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Resources

• www.secondlife.com
• Free download of Second Life Client
• Create account and avatar
• www.simteach.com
• http//wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/LSL_Portal
• http//infoisland.org
• www.metalab.blogspot.com
• www.Slispaceflightmuseum.org
• www.life-slc.org
• www.wikipedia.com
• Second Life A Guide to Your Virtual World by
  Brian A. White