TELLING IN THE DWELLING: INSPIRING CREATIVITY IN SL AND BEYOND – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

People come to the Virtual World of Second Life for many and varied reasons.  Some come for companionship; to make friends, or to meet that special someone.  Others come to explore, dance, or to chill out while they listen to live or recorded music in their genre of choice.

Ikon Room is here for the sheer exhilaration of experiencing and embracing fully the creative process, and he has introduced, through his business model, a way that untold numbers of people can do likewise.   

I managed to catch up to Ikon Room one afternoon while he was working on his inworld office spaces, and he graciously agreed to tell me (and our 70,000 viewers) how dreams can become reality in SecondLife.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:    Soooo Ikon.  Thank you for agreeing to chat with me.  I know how terribly busy you are, so let's just start at the beginning….What is Ikon Room all about?

Ikon Room (IR): Ikon Room is a small real estate business in second life that has as its main focus not only on renting out and selling land but also on stimulating people to be creative in decorating the dwellings we sell inworld via our monthly contest. And with that, give exposure to their artwork to inspire others that are yet uncomfortable with their decorating or building skills. In short, my personal focus is to contribute to a world where people are feeling inspired by what others create and then feel less hesitant to create things themselves. In this case, due to my Ikon Room project I-R. World, a dwelling.

JB: Interesting Name. “Ikonroom” How did you come up with that, and does it have any special significance?

IR:   Ikon Room is the name "Moor Noki" reversed. Moor Noki is my artist name in real life. On this artist's name, I am a singer/songwriter/producer. I reversed it as it now sounds like icon. I want us all to be icons! In this case in decorating rooms, given my business in SL. For promotional reasons you'll find Moor Noki's music played on all the lands we rent or sell and you will notice some billboards that state that. Clicking the boards will give you a notecard with all the stores you can buy my music or listen to it for free.  Obviously, after the land is sold or rented out the owner can change the stream.  

JB: From RL New Age musician to SL Real Estate Mogul.  You seem like quite the Renaissance Man

IR:   I would not call myself a New Age Musician in RL. The music I create comes in many different styles which are in line with my personality. Making music, writing lyrics, and producing them was therapy to me and in that light it has become more of a diary,  which is authentic and personal to the bone, so to say. It's me and at the same time, it isn't me any longer. I'm never my last second but it's good to reflect on the past every now and then. Some check their diary for that, and I check my music for that.  I don't shy away from the roller coasters life has put me on, nor do I shy away from addressing issues that we all have to deal with one way or another. Yet often the majority of us are not comfortable enough to speak about it due to shame, guilt, status, culture, and so forth.

JB:Tell me about your properties.  How big are your lots, and where are they located?

IR:   Currently, since I've only just started, I rent out 1024 sqm plots as they fit the rooms I have created for the monthly contest I hold at i-r.world. That being said, renters and buyers can obviously rent or buy larger plots, I will simply fuse those lands. At the moment they are located on the mainland and come in general moderate maturity ratings. Adult land for rent will follow later on. The plots come with 350 prims and cost L$425 per week. You can also buy the piece of land for L$3000 per 1024 sqm. If you buy more than one parcel at the same time and they are attached (can be joined), prices can be negotiated. 

JB: So then, what are you all about?  What is the message you are trying to convey here? And what does “Telling in the Dwelling” mean?

IR:   It's "A Telling in the Dwelling".  When I visit a person's house I step into their story. I step into the past that they live in now. The way they decorate their home is who they have become and currently are. it's their telling in their dwelling. Compare it with how we dress. When we meet someone, we automatically scan them on how they appear, and based on that, we already have a quick idea if we understand this person (read “can connect”) well enough to continue a positive relationship. We are all inspired by others on how we dress – either like it or not. If we like it, we want to create the same but with our own personal touch to it. It's precisely what 'A Telling In The Dwelling" is about. To be inspired, to channel that into your own creativity and make your own telling in the dwelling. 

JB: I understand you offer rooms for 1L. What are those for, and how might people get those?

IR:   The rooms I sell are obviously on my marketplace store for anyone to buy. That being said. They are nothing more than 4 prim boxes. No windows and no doors only floor, wall, and ceiling texture. The main purpose is for people to buy and decorate them. After they've done so they can participate in i-r.world's monthly contest. We will pick 3 winners each month and each of them will get L$500 as a reward. On top of that, the winners will have visibility on our website and inworld with their names attached to it for 3 months. All participants will get the money they paid for their room on MP refunded. 

JB: I see you are promoting something called “I-R.World - The Dwelling Contest”. Tell me more about that, please?

IR:   Certainly. Let me share what it says on our website, https://www.i-r.world.

*******************

Monthly Contest!

Find a room at our MP place! - Marketplace Store Ikon Room

Decorate it with a max of 100 prims

We will pick 3 winners at the end of each month and they get each L$500,-

We will refund the L$1,- to those that bought a room on MP and are participating in the contest.

All participants can turn in their applications at contest@i-r.world

Include a screenshot of your dwelling and a landmark. The new competition starts on the 1st of each month! We will come by and visit your land personally to check out the dwelling you've created/furnished/decorated.  Winners get placement on this website and in the I-R. World office and a free photograph of your dwelling c/m/t

For more information contact Ikon. resident inworld at “I-R.World HQ

Happy telling in your dwelling!!!

******************

JB: Selling rooms for 1L?  How can you hope to make much money that way?

IR:     I'm not interested in making money per se. If anything, I'm interested in breaking even. Though I'm absolutely not allergic to financial tips, support, or donations. lol

JB: If people rent or buy one of your lots, are they required to build a 1L room on it, or are they free to add their own houses? 

IR:     When people rent from us they are allowed to do with it and on it whatever they like. Mainland has an SL covenant (which is usually none when fully rented by i-r.world. We do have our own covenant for those that rent with us. 

JB: Where do you hope to go with this project?  Do you have plans for expansion? Do you envision entire regions of 1L rooms?

IR:     Obviously I look forward to expanding my business and there are already a few new ideas in the making that are not yet ready for publicity. One step at a time is my motto. All at its own time and place. 

In previous endeavors, I was eager and wanted too much at once which made the project fail. I've learned my lesson from that. 

So, there you have it folks.  To learn more about Ikon Room and this uniquely creative opportunity, check out the following amaaaaazing locations:  

• Website: https://i-r.world

• Inworld office: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Shempo/150/129/1501

• Ikon Room Store: https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/247151

• Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/893096065464626

• Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088901963370

Website:  Moor Noki: https://moornoki.com

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DIRTY RYTHMS: YA CAN’T KEEP A GOOD SIM DOWN – JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

This past week, in my sojourns around the Grid, I ran into a wonderful couple, Richh and Alexxxa Devin, the owner/proprietors of Dirty Rythms.  Many of you will remember DR from years past, as it has always been a mainstay of adult club venues in SL.   After a Decade of service to the SL Community, Richh and Alexxxa decided to close their Fan-Favorites club, while they were still immensely popular, preferring to direct their attention to other pursuits.  But, after two years with constant encouragement from their legion of fans and friends,  they decided to reopen DR in a completely new venue.   On their anniversary, Richh opened a new club, Alexxxa’s Place…and the rest of DR returned around it.

One of the things that have always been a trademark of Dirty Rythms in general, and the proprietors specifically, has been Richh’s phenomenal generosity towards his guests.  Whether it is the gifts he gives out every hour to randomly selected guests at their events or the way he salts the ‘Sploder with extra cash, so “everyone’s a winner”.  Or perhaps it is the monthly photo contest with one lucky winner each month walking away with the 3,000 Linden prize!   Richh and Alexxxa run a First-Class operation, completely free of charge to their many guests. 

I managed to corner Richh and Alexxxa between gigs, and they graciously consented to answer a few questions I posed.

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB):    Hi Alexxxa and Richh!  Thanks for agreeing to chat with me.  Let me start off by asking how did you come up with the idea for “Dirty Rythms”?

Richh Devin (RD):   Dirty Rythms was always intended for the discriminating adults as an awesome spot for adult playtime as well as the hot spot for some of the best  DJs on the grid.

JB:    What an amazing build here.  Tell me, what is the basic Theme of the Dirty Rythms?

RD: Theme: Music and Entertainment

Dirty Rythms has everything for discriminating adults. Hot playtime spots with the best gear in SL. Awesome beach hangouts, picture-perfect spots for the SL photographers, and party spots for you and your friends, featuring some of SL's hottest DJs. Your fantasies come true! 

JB: What makes the Dirty Rythms compound different from other Adult Sims out there?

Alexxxa Devin (alexxxa.mynx) (AD): Dirty Rythms has been built with much attention to detail.  Upon exploring the sim people will find the perfect spot for photographs, naughty play, or both!  Music on the sim is commercial free and there are screens set up in strategic spots all over the sim for guests to watch the commercial-free video playlist!

JB: Tell me about some of the various areas in Dirty Rythms?

AD: We have various venues for themed parties such as Tiki Cove, the Tiki Bar,  Tiki Country,  the Beachhouse, the Romantic Gazebo, Alexxxa's Place  Lounge & Discotheque, the Photo Studio and of course,  the Swingers Clubhouse!      On exploring the Clubhouse, you will find the best Red Room on the grid, IMHO! Using the Teleporters on the sim you can select the various venues available here. There are also some hidden private spots on the sim, which people will find when exploring.

JB: OK Alexxxa… tell me…and I promise to keep it just between you and me….(and our 70,000 readers each month)….what are some of your personal Favs here at Dirty Rhythms?

 As a DJ of course I love being at the events of some of the best DJs on the grid right here at Dirty Rythms.  And, of course, we have some of the best furniture and gear for naughty play all over the sim, something for everyone, which we have tested thoroughly! 

JB: Do you have accommodations for people who may want to live here?

Currently, there are no rentals at Dirty Rythms. However, we have some  people who have made Dirty Rythms their 'home base' where they log in like home

JB: As you know, there is no shortage of Adult entertainment sims here.  What is the “Dirty Rythms” difference and why should people come here for all their entertainment needs?

 AD: We take pride in Dirty Rythms being the adult sim with class. You will discover that once you visit us.  People are encouraged to come and get naughty and know that they can expect to be respected because NO means NO on our sim.  The BIG difference?  No long list of rules when you land!    Our welcoming notecard mentions RESPECT and if respect is used by all, a list of rules should not be required!

JB: What has been your greatest challenge in operating Dirty Rythms?

RD: With the ever-dwindling numbers of people on SL lately, attendance to events, etc has been an issue but numbers have been increasing lately.  

JB: I understand you host special events here.  How can people find out about those things?

AD: We advertise all events on the SL Events page, the Dirty Rythms groups notices, as well as on our Dirty Rythms Discord page!   DJ Alexxxa's SL  Group is also used for all Dirty Rythms events advertising!  For booking special events such as weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, etc, please contact   Alexxxa Mynx (Devin).

JB: And how about the future?  Do you have any improvements or changes in mind for the weeks and months ahead?

AD: For the future, in the new year there ARE some plans in the works.  Once ready for unveiling, those will be revealed in the Dirty Rythms Groups notices as well as in Alexxxa's Group notices and of course, Dirty Rythms Discord page.  

JB: Is there anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer readers?

RD: We encourage all who read about us in the SL Enquirer to come and explore the sim and they will find their perfect spot for hanging out with their friends.   They are also very welcome to join us at the events as advertised on the board, on the events page, or on our Discord page.  Special events will also be advertised there!

So there you have it, folks.  If you are looking for a beautifully built sim, with wonderful events, adult entertainment options, and the most gracious hosts on the Grid, let me encourage you to drop on by and check ‘em out.   You’ll be glad you did.  And if you run into Richh or Alexxxa….Tell ‘em Josh sent ya!

BE there.  Aloha!

Additional Information: 

SURL:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dirty%20Rythms/95/132/22

Discord:  https://discord.gg/8rYSS2jv 

FB:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/357924454650967

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CYBERSEX 101 – NOOB GUIDE TO LOVE ON THE GRID (PART 3): JOSH (THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

What follows are the results of extensive research where we surveyed dozens of Subject Matter Experts on the topic.  We have distilled the collected wisdom from 33 of those experts. Altogether, these individuals have amassed over four CENTURIES of residency in SecondLife, totaling 435 years of experience! Let me encourage you to read and heed their guidance and suggestions as you navigate your own way through the pleasure and pitfalls of “love on the grid”

In Part 1 of our series, our panel of experts identified some of the more cringeworthy mistakes that noobs make during cyber sex.  You can read Part 1 by going to:

http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/01/cybersex-101-noob-guide-to-love-on-grid.html 

In Part 2, we looked at what our seasoned experts believe makes for a particularly good Cybersexual encounter,

http://www.slenquirer.com/2022/03/cybersex-101-part-2-noob-guide-to-love.html 

Finally, here in Part 3, we will wrap up our series with an open question to allow our seasoned experts to expand  on anything else they wanted to share about the topic

I asked our panel of experts “Is there anything else on the topic [of Cybersex] you would like to share?”

The answers from our panel basically fell into “The Three As”  

• Quality AVATAR, 

• Quality ATTITUDE 

• Quality ACTIONS.  

Let’s take a look at these one at a time. 

Quality Avi

Our panelists had a lot to say about the importance of a decent-looking Avatar.  In these days of Mesh and BOM, the experienced person looks to see that a potential sexual partner takes pride in how they look.  SL is largely a visual medium…so make sure the visuals are First Class  Specific comments included:

“The quality of your AVI matters, just like in RL. It is your first impression. Make it a good one. Oh and this is very important too...if you meet a really good-looking guy, all meshed up, etc…and only two or three months old, just be cautious.  Unless learning how to mesh up has been made easier to do, then it does take time to learn the ropes in SL...the good places to go to for shapes and skins, and clothes and hair.  When  a two-day-old "newbie" has a perfect avatar, you know it is not a "newbie" but an alt.”

“In SL, as in most things, you will get out of it what you put into it.  If you want to come in with a base avatar and pose hop, that is fine, but you will probably find the encounters less than exciting after the first few.  Put effort into it, and you will reap the rewards.  Your avatar, your approach, your seduction...all of it comes together to make the experience much more intense than what is just on the screen.  Like I said, as with most things in life, you get out of it exactly what you put into it.  Good luck, and happy F**king!”

“For the females, the better you look, the more IMs you will get --- but be picky.  Make sure that there is a click between you two.  Do you find him attractive?  Does he make you laugh?  Trust me, once you find yourself in bed with him better to find this out first, than doing a fake crash on the guy”

Quality Attitude

In SL, as well as in RL, great sex starts with a great attitude.  Some of our panelists had a lot to share on this particular item

“You must like it to be able to enjoy it.  If you like it is the best activity of SL (along with building things.)”

“There are many different types of people you meet. Somewhere out there is a person you can relate to. You can share your wants and needs with. Take your time exploring with others until you find the one that captures your whole being. It is well worth the wait. There are so many things you can explore here that you might never try in RL. Explore them and find your wants and desires it will make you a better person... The most important thing I have found is...ALWAYS be yourself...be true to yourself...Don’t change who you are for someone else. and always be honest with your feelings...You won’t go wrong that way. 😊”

“It's really about understanding people. We all are different and have different needs and attractions. For me, it really helps to know someone before having cyber sex with them. I enjoy getting to know the person and that makes the sexual experience much more titillating and fun. Learn all you can about SL and be respectful of the people in it.”

“The main thing is to relax and have fun. This is Second Life. It isn't here to replace your regular life. Don't get hung up and clingy with someone. Don't be too pushy either. Just keep everything relaxed. Having a fun interaction is all it is about, paying attention to the other person and connecting with them.”

“Don’t be “thirsty” .. don’t private message a bunch of girls at the same time with the same line.  You should really let people message you if they are interested.  Or maybe you could chat in local first.” 

“Watch what they say vs what they do...meaning actions vs words!  That is very,  very important.”

“It’s best to not have expectations...other than that...just have Fun.  After all, SL is supposed to be fun!!

And what is this “Emoting” thing everyone talks about?

“I think a whole article could be dedicated to the subject of emoting. The problem is many don’t know how or don’t want to learn. Responding, "mmmmmmm", or "MMMhMMM!"  to everything I say, is not emoting. Describe how I look, and how you feel when I touch you or when you touch me. That is emoting. Another big mistake is, telling your partner what they are doing, feeling, or experiencing. That practice is almost as bad as telling me to [climax], 3 seconds after you [enter me]” 

“Build the tension. and never approach someone and say your cute let’s f**k!”

One of the most often quoted pieces of advice here is: 

“Always remember that there is a real person behind the avatar. Just because we CAN be anonymous doesn’t mean we need to ACT like idiots. Be kind to people. There is a human behind every keyboard........ not everyone is here just to f**k.”

Quality Actions

So….you have yourself a Quality Avi and you have a Quality Attitude.  Finally, you need to tie these together with Quality Actions.

“Don’t rush. Take your time. Look around and pay attention to how things are done here: I can't tell you how many times some noob on his first day in SL, dressed in a freebie avatar, has come to me and said "I want sex with you" or things like that.  But that’s the point... they need to KNOW they don’t know how things are done here.”

Choose your setting carefully.  Cheesy animations that leave you with whiplash as you rocket through the positions are no fun for anyone.

“Script makers of all those sex beds and couches still haven't figured out creating real-life physics and dynamics for avatars to where movements are lined up realistically and automatically. We still see avatars in love-making positions merging body parts into each other: legs into torsos, arms, elbows, hands into heads and eyeballs, cocks into butt cheeks or thighs. Sexual intercourse is hit or miss where it often doesn't even look like sexual parts actually fit into each other. Especially when a man has an oversized appendage and it pops out of the tummy of a woman. The sex AOs is still a frustrating mess.”

“For many, the idea of cyber sex is just the act, but unless you are devoid of rational thought, you will quickly realize that the experience is and will be as good as the effort you put into it. As in all things, strike the right mood by going somewhere romantic, like the Grand Canyon Sims, where private areas abound and make the whole evening special. Don't forget that women appreciate intimacy more than just going for the goal line. Do not assume that everyone in SL is just here for the sex.  A nice date and foreplay are a plus.”

“Do not expect a person to orgasm, male or female or trans, almost immediately upon sexual activity. Foreplay should be fun. Dancing can be a great foreplay start to cybersex/, oh you might want something by role-playing, RP.”

 Regarding Voice and/or Camera

Some people like to introduce voice immediately into the process.  Others do not

“NO, I do not want to hear your bassy sex voice, your deep breathing, or your lisp. I don't want to hear your stupid sex chat in any way, shape, or form.  It totally ruins the immersion for me because people   rarely sound as expected.”  

Some people like the idea of seeing the RL behind the Avi.  Many do not.  Tread carefully here, and be sure you are both in full agreement 

“NO, I am not camming for you. I do not want you to record me, nor do I wish to see your bearded face, your acne, your bird chest, your weird-looking penis, your crooked teeth or frazzled hair - I don't even want to see a picture of you - Camming is a serious invasion of my privacy and crosses all of my boundaries by a mile.”

“Insisting with Cam or Voice after I said NO the first time will get you blocked. especially if you have the insolence of suggesting that I hide from those around me or similar nonsense -- EXCUSE ME? I hide enough as it is. I have nothing to prove and am not taking any risks for you, STRANGER. “   

One particularly observant commentator said:

“The guy has to like shopping...if he complains about it, then that is a red flag as well.”

What about “toys”

“Watching and hearing, and now being able to connect with toys makes SL even more special, adding parts to be able to rub one another make cuddling and sex more real. 

And a final word of advice from our panelists  

“Don't get 'caught' by RL. RL is the innocent and doesn't deserve to have to go through the trauma of finding a loved one masturbating with a cartoon girlfriend.”

So there you have it, folks.  Let me encourage you to go back and check out Parts I and II of this three-part series.  Go forward and “Be all you can be” in SecondLife.

See ya ‘round the grid.

Aloha

JB

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EDUCATION IN CYBERSPACE – VIRTUAL WORLDS BEST PRACTICES IN EDUCATION: JOSH(THOMAS1 BELLIC) REPORTING

The SecondLife Grid is home to a great many innovative groups of people who have devised new ways to incorporate Virtual Worlds into our daily lives. The areas of art, entertainment, finance, education, and others, have all been enhanced through their creative efforts. Leaders in the use of cyberspace in education, the folks at VWBPE just wrapped up their 15th annual Conference.  I recently sat down with Beth, iSkye, LV, and Kevin, me of the Staff of VWBPE and they graciously consented to answer a couple of questions about their innovative work in support of education.  

Let's get started, shall we?

Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) JB:  So then, tell me, Beth.  Exactly what is this VWBPE thing the buzz is all about?

Beth:  VWBPE stands for Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education, which culminates in an annual online conference held each spring. Immersive virtual environments have been used in education long before the advent of head-mounted viewers like the Oculus Quest. We bring together educators and other interested people from all over the world to discuss how these environments can most productively be used for teaching and learning. 

JB:  How did the idea of a VWBPE conference come into being?

LV:  Back in early 2007 there were informal groups of educators and those interested in the potential of virtual worlds for education who would get together to talk about the ‘what might could be’. One of the ideas tossed around based on their personal (and physical) experiences was “What would happen if we had a conference and asked educators to share their best practices?”  These informal discussions became more serious, and SL-BPE (Second Life Best Practices in Education) was born. 

On May 25, 2007, 1300 educators from around the world gathered at the Second Life Best Practices in Education: Teaching, Learning, and Research 2007 International Conference in the virtual world of Second Life. The event was the first 24-hour, international conference ever to take place entirely within a virtual world. 

After a year’s hiatus, Rockcliffe University Consortium took over the conference co-ordination and SL-BPE was reborn in 2009 as Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education (VWBPE). It continues to this day.

JB:   This Conference is a big undertaking.  How many folks does it take to put on something like this, of this magnitude?

Beth:  At the top, we have the Executive Committee of three people. They are joined by six more people to make up the Organizing Committee. We also have the help of dozens more people who assist with the conference itself. Our volunteers are second to none in their dedication, enthusiasm, and energy, in every part of the Conference. 

 

Kevin:  All in total there are between 70-90 people that are dedicating their time to bringing this conference to life. 

JB:   What are some of the more interesting areas a visitor might see at a VWBPE Event?

Beth:  My favorite part of this conference is the Exhibit Hall, which is unlike anything you’d see at a brick-and-mortar conference. Our theme for the conference build for the past three years has been Outer Space, so exhibitors are given a parcel floating in space in which to build something. It’s so amazing to see the things they come up with to portray their ideas and offerings! The exhibits are open through April 23rd, by the way.

It’s also fun during the conference to see some of the different avatars that people use to represent themselves. At various times I have been a human, a tiny hedgehog, and a bunny, for instance.

JB:   What are some of the more inventive things that have been pioneered at VWBPE?

iSkye: One example is a different approach to mathematics, called SubQuan, which if you try it, revolutionizes the ability to do and understand math, from addition/subtraction to multiplication/division, to algebra, geometry, and more. The demonstration was entirely in 3D. A 5-year-old child could catch on within minutes - me with a university degree, I caught on very quickly and I haven’t forgotten it!

JB:   Have you heard of some success stories as educators implement the things they learn at these conferences?

Kevin:  Many educators credit their desire to create a curriculum in Second Life based on what they have seen other people do at our conference. 

 

LV: Absolutely.  A common story is that someone was inspired by a presentation or an exhibit and later made contact with the presenter, becoming collaborators in future work.  Another is graduate students using presentations to further their research interests and partnerships.  An advantage to virtual world events like this is the ability to IM someone immediately to express an interest in their work. 

JB:   Second Life is, arguably, a VW platform designed for adults.  Do you know of any particular child-safe Virtual Worlds that teachers can use in their classrooms or during remote learning scenarios?

Beth:  Although the conference deals with a multitude of virtual environments, we use Second Life for the conference itself because it’s the crossroads for virtual world educators to make connections with each other. Open Simulator and Minecraft: Education Edition offers the privacy that’s needed for younger children, and some of us are working with Linden Lab to have the same affordances in Second Life.

JB:   You do employ a lot of volunteers for these events.  How might someone get involved in supporting  VWBPE, either during the annual conference or throughout the year?

Beth:  The best thing to do is to contact Bluebarker Lowtide, our Volunteers Chair (https://www.vwbpe.org/contact). Starting in January we’ll begin recruiting volunteers for the conference itself, and the volunteer registration form opens up at that time. If you’re interested in more of a leadership role, contact Kevin Feenan at info@vwbpe.org at any time. Planning for the next conference begins right after the past conference, and starts to pick up speed in the Fall. Volunteering is a great way to meet interesting people! 

JB:   Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about VWBPE?

Beth:  These environments are incredibly immersive and creativity-inspiring. There is a myriad of inventive ways that people are using different environments for education, and this conference is the heart of it. 

 

Kevin:  Instructors have used these environments to create immersive experiences that help students connect with skills in a way that is simply not possible simply by reading a book, watching presentations, or videos. The ability to place your mind’s eye from the vantage point of people at the heart of a learned experience and to appreciate the critical reasoning by being in the moment can provide greater insight by reframing one’s situational awareness. 

JB:   Where might a person go to get more information about VWBPE?

Beth:  We keep our website (http://vwbpe.org) updated with current information and blog posts during the year. If you’re in Second Life, there’s a VWBPE group you can join that’s very helpful. We’re also on several social media platforms that are linked to the website. You can also ask anyone on the Organizing Committee, including me, Beth. (Beth Ghostraven)  for more information - we’re happy to help you get involved with education in immersive 3D worlds.

So there you have it, folks. For the most innovative solutions and cutting-edge uses of Virtual Worlds to enhance education for students, check out VWBPE.org and learn how can get involved in this innovative outreach.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Gateway%20Pyxis/98/128/24

Be there!  Aloha!!

JB

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