CEIAG In Virtual WorldsMichael Larbalestier

Prospects Services Ltd

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ivanwalsh/

Virtual Worlds

•Online community•Users represented as avatars•Computer simulated environment•Can use or create objects•Can interact with others

Virtual work experience developed by Learning & Teaching Scotland

Why Virtual Connexions MK?

• Advisers not making best use of technology• Young people want us to use web 2.0 tools• Connexions services don’t reach everyone• With web 2.0 can reach more young people• Maybe it will cost a little less....

The Brief

• Browser based – no large download• 2D accessible version• Reach more young people• Friendly, fun but safe• Relevant information • Technology familiar to young people• Build user confidence• Easy to build rooms and change content

What can young people do here?

• Explore different rooms• Consume/Contribute video, audio and images• Join live workshops• Play CV game / Update CV• Play Infiniteams team development game• Chat & share files with adviser• Download logs of chat and activities

What can advisers do here?

• Greet visitors & engage proactively• Review visitor’s prior chat/activity logs/files• Guide to rooms and content• Offer IAG via chat session • Push content for live groups• Facilitate radio/video content generation• Assess needs in a different way

Demo

Virtual Reception PA Room Radio Station

Training Fair Assessment Room MK College Room

CV Maze game University Room Job Cafe

Challenges

• Record levels of youth unemployment• Advisers lack web 2.0 skills• Professional belief that FACE TO FACE is best• Worries about child safety• Bandwidth• Accessibility – how far to go?

Thank you

Michael Larbalestier Please visit www.virtualconnexionsmk.co.uk

Free blogs & twitter online course at:michaellarbs.wordpress.com (Click course index)This presentation: slideshare.net/larbal Email: michael.larbalestier@prospects.co.ukBlog: careerswork20.blogspot.com