Davis 2.0 Virtual CenterA Multi-User Virtual

Environment in Second Life

University of SC - SCLIS

Charnette Singleton – Spring 2009 – J709

• Learning is interactive.– Interaction with the virtual environment is in real

time. • Learning is student centered.– Students can explore at their own pace.

• Although still fairly new and being researched, most scholars feel the above two attributes make (MUVEs) lean toward constructivism.

Multi-User Virtual Environment (MUVE)

Second Life

Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual community created entirely by its membership. Members assume an identity and take up residence in Second Life, creating a customized avatar to represent themselves. The avatar moves about in the virtual world using mouse control and keyboard buttons.

Second Life

• Considered a 3-D social network.• Allows collaboration between objects and

avatars.• Used for educational, business,

entertainment, etc. purposes.

Second Life Library / Educational Uses

• Professional associations like the American Library Association (ALA) offer seminars, forums, etc. in Second Life.

• Teachers conduct online classes in Second Life.• Library collections are expanded as users visit

other collections worldwide in Second Life.• Reference services such as chat reference,

online tutorials, etc. are in Second Life.

Second Life Library / Educational Uses

• Streaming audio and video collections are available.

• Virtual Museums and tourism allow cultural exploration.

Negatives

• Learning curve for technology. • Users need a fast computer with a good

internet connection. Students accessing the library /classes remotely may have difficulties.

• Many see Second Life as being no different than library services offered via the library website or through regular chat / virtual reference services.

Arodue StringHello, My name is Arodue String. I am the Avatar of Charnette Singleton. Today we will be taking a tour of the Davis 2.0 Reference Center in Second Life. The is part of the School of Library & Information Science at the University of South Carolina.

Purpose of Davis 2.0 Virtual Center

• “serve as an instructional aid, • connect on-campus and distance education

students in a virtual community, • create a social network to connect information

professionals and alumni with current LIS students. “

(from website – SLIS in Second Life)

The SLIS Davis 2.0 Reference Center is located onthe Eduisland 4 in the Second Life World. Thefacilities include:

• a library (the Davis 2.0 Reference Center), • a Zen garden, • an auditorium, • and a commons.

Mission Statement• SLIS Mission Statement is located at the front

entrance.

Davis 2.0 Reference Library

• Information Desk with rotating sign.

• Reference Desk– Manned by virtual librarians– Rotating Sign• Reference Services.• Need Help?• How May We Help You?• Research Consultation.

Entering the Library

The first level has reference services, public seating, a simulated check-out counter, reference books area, etc. Currently this is primarily an online reference service.

Approaching the Reference Desk

Entering the reference area, the reference librarian was on duty. Another library patron was being served. They noticed me and brought me into the conversation. Conversations nearby are not private. There is the option to make a chat private by using Instant Messaging.

While chatting with the reference librarian, a library book search from the University’s main library (Thomas

Cooper Library) was conducted.

Reference dialogue Transcript

Library Catalog

2nd level Multimedia Classroom

This area can be used for small meetings, bibliographic instruction classes (i.e. how to use online databases).

Receiving a tour of the Auditorium from another librarian.

This area can be used for multimedia plays, presentations, etc. The colorful pillows are available for you to sit on.

Taking a break to meditate in the Zen Garden

The Commons

• The Commons is a four-storied building with a sky bridge connected to the Davis 2.0 Reference Center. It is designed to provide various types of amenities for events and functions, and avatars can use the teleport spots to easily go to top floors.

• 1st floor - a display of pictures of the SLIS faculty and staff. Also a welcome message film from the SLIS Director, Dr. Samantha Hastings, can be played on the multimedia board on this level.

• 2nd Floor - a boardroom and a walkway to the Library. • 3rd Floor - a theater and a reception area. • 4th Floor - two meeting rooms and a lounge.

Viewing the Commons area

Goodbye