Improve your Second Life

12 March 2010

Are you a Second Life resident looking to get a bit more out of your virtual world? If so, join Sheila Yoshikawa at 8pm (1pm Second Life time) on March 18 on Sheffield University's Second Life island, Infolit ischool, for hints and tips on searching, shopping and sightseeing. The event is part of the Economic and Social Research Council's (ESRC) Festival of Social Science which runs from the 12 to the 21 of March 2010.

The event will start with short presentations by Sheila Webber (aka Sheila Yoshikawa), Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information Studies, Sheffield University

and two of her colleagues, Professor Jackie Marsh (aka Jackie Darkstone) and Dr Julia Davies (aka Dr Joolz Smythe), who will talk about some of their research on improving general knowledge and ability in using computer technology. The event will inform the attending advatars, how they can apply these findings to help them get the most out of the Second Life experience.

Sheila's presentation will draw on the results of interviews carried out by some of her students at the Infolit ischool, in which they asked people what steps they took when they needed to find information for an activity in Second Life. The activities ranged from simple retail searches such as trying to find a bunk bed to recreate a student dorm in Second Life to struggling with finding the programming steps needed to stream music successfully.

"By looking at the different ways people used the communication and social networking tools available on Second Life, we've been able to determine strategies that work for finding different sorts of information," says Sheila: "So if, say, you want to buy a house, we know one successful strategy is to start your search by looking at some of the houses in Second Life and then click on one you like the look of. That will bring up all sorts of information about who made the house, whether they sell houses (or perhaps even give them away), and whether they have a shop."

Jackie Darkstone and Dr Joolz Smythe will also share some of their research findings with a focus on helping your avatar to dress in the latest Second Life fashion. The presentations will be held in an informal outdoor setting and there will be opportunities for participants to share their own experiences and any hints and tips that others might find useful.

There will also be a chance to get a virtual ice cream from the IS (Information Services) Cream Van, a novel tool developed at Edinburgh University to support distance learners, not only with ice cream but also with useful information and contacts.

Following the presentations, participants can take a guided tour to a mystery location: "We might be shopping or perhaps sightseeing. We haven't decided yet but it will be an opportunity for everyone to try out their new skills," says Sheila.

The event is open to all Second Life residents although it would help if you have a little experience of Second Life and already know how to move about and communicate.

Second Life residents who would like to attend this event are asked to register at http://infolit-week-in-sl.ning.com/events, where you will need to join the Ning (a social networking site). Then, on the day, the SLURL http://slurl.com/secondlife/Infolit%20iSchool/149/171/21/ will take you directly to the event.

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