Gamertell

The cover story for the most recent issue of the Kent State University alumni magazine (Kent State Magazine, Vol. 8, Issue 3, Spring 2009) highlights the efforts of several professors using Second Life as an educational tool.

Although a feature story about Second Life might seem, “Like, so two years ago,” this is a prime example of how video games can be used to contribute to society and bring together a world community.

Titled “Get a Second Life,” the article features Pamela R. Mitchell, an associate professor of speech pathology and audiology in the College of Education, Health and Human Services; Steve Zapytowski, professor of design and technology in the School of Theatre and Dance; and Dr. Patricia Book, co-leader of the group Digital Game-Based Learning Community and vice president for regional development.

The University’s SL efforts include online courses, field trips and “live” online performances all as an effort to provide game-based learning.

The virtual world performances by The Kent Second Life Ensemble, which includes Zapytowski, an assistant professor and twelve students, utilize microphones for live in-world performances along with specialized lighting scripts. For rehearsals and performances, Zapytowskiin constructed the Obrádlan Síorai theater within Second Life.

Likewise, Mitchell was able to get a grant to buy land and resources to create a virtual classroom where she teachers her Communication Modalities and Assistive Technology and Research Methods classes within Second Life.

The article also includes links to photos of the professors and students (both real world and within Second Life), instructions for joining the KSU Second Life island community and a couple links to SL help site.

Read [Kent State Magazine]