Valdosta State University TIES Conference Will Explore Teaching & Learning In Second Life

Valdosta State University

Valdosta State University presents TIES Conference Feb. 18-20. Ok first things first, you may be wondering what a TIES conferences is. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it’s not about ties. However it is about education and e-learning and these are noble causes which I very much support. There’s also some discussion on storytelling in virtual worlds too, hurrah!

Valdosta State University’s Center for eLearning will present the Conference on Instructional Technologies, Innovations, and Educational Strategies — commonly referred to as the TIES Conference — Feb. 18-20 in the Student Union.

This is a three day conference and the linked post above contains further information :

The TIES Conference is open to all VSU faculty, staff, and students, as well as members of the general public, who want to learn more about what educational leaders are doing to support student success both within and beyond the college classroom. Registration costs $69; includes all materials, breakfast and lunch on the second and third day of the conference, a social, and more; and will be accepted up through 1 p.m. the first day of the conference.

However for those of us who are fans of virtual worlds and storytelling, there’s even more details further in the post.

VSU Shops

Day 2 is where things seem to get a bit more appealing for virtual world fans, with Second Life 101: Creating an Avatar, Exploring, and Teaching in Second Life.

  • Dr. Michelle Ocasio, Valdosta State University
  • Dr. Fleming Bell, Valdosta State University
  • Dr. Karen Acosta, Valdosta State University
  • Dr. Beatriz Potter, Valdosta State University

For the beginning user, this Second Life workshop aims to demonstrate some of the practical and educational uses of virtual worlds in distance learning and face-to-face interaction. Four speakers will explain engaging spontaneous and fun conversations in foreign language clubs, academic advising for distance students, coordinating student presentations for online courses, and oral assessments for online foreign language courses. A hands-on workshop to create an avatar and explore some interesting locations (including Valdosta State University Island) is included.

Day 3 also has potential with Digital Storytelling in Virtual Worlds: Designing Lessons Promoting Student Engagement.

  • Dr. Steve Downey, Valdosta State University

This workshop presents and demonstrates the new Instruction for Massively Multiplayer Online Learning Environments, i-MMOLE 2.0, framework for designing lessons utilizing digital storytelling practices to promote student engagement and learning in virtual world environments. Participants will get hands-on time using the virtual world of Second Life as well as guidance for designing lessons using the i-MMOLE 2.0 framework.

Digital storytelling in a virtual world can of course go beyond Second Life.

Outside Campus

This conference isn’t just about Valdosta State University, there will also be presentations from faculty, staff, students and experts from :

Turning Technologies, AMAC Accessibility Solutions at Georgia Institute of Technology, South Georgia State College, University of West Georgia, Valdosta City School System, Lowndes County School System, Valdosta North Rotary Club, Valdosta Rotary Club, Central Georgia Technical College, Clayton State College, Georgia State University, Florida State University, Lincoln Memorial University, Decatur County School System, Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., National Eating Disorder Association, and Atlanta Metropolitan State College.

Alas this isn’t a virtual conference, maybe they’re missing a trick there! However it should be pointed out that VSU do seem to have a grasp of Second Life and how to use it.

Inside Campus

A blog post on their, well, blog gives further information about their Second Life land : Tour the Valdosta State University Island :

The VSU island is comprised of three main areas; the Campus, the Village (shops and faculty offices), and the Nature area.

The linked page also appears to be fully aware that there’s life outside VSU land in Second Life, they say of Caledon Oxbridge :

There are many locations to learn how to walk, fly, teleport, change clothes, etc., in Second Life. This is probably the best place.

I find that quite refreshing.

Thanks To Second Life Builders

They also pay homage to the Second Life Builders who have brought life to their vision. Piedras Chama, Zander Greene and Lauren Thibaud. Hmm those names ring a bell!

Whereas I personally won’t be attending the conference it’s good to see educators not only still embracing Second Life, but also engaging in discussions on how virtual worlds can be utilised for education. I fully expect virtual worlds to rise as virtual reality gains in popularity, those already familiar with teaching and learning methods for virtual worlds before the boom will be in a very good position to take advantage.

There is of course a lot more to the TIES conference than virtual worlds and Second Life, it’s a busy looking schedule and covers many important topics.

I’ll leave you with Lauren Thibaud, builder extraoridnaire and part time performer at Fantasy Faire in Second Life, under the guise of Atomic Kitties.


2 Replies to “Valdosta State University TIES Conference Will Explore Teaching & Learning In Second Life”

    1. Absolutely, it was very good to see that they were aware of the fact that other locations could make a better job of introducing someone to the basics of Second Life and they were aware of the world outside their faculty.

      The sim is pretty nicely designed too.

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