Virtual Worlds Quest
A WebQuest for multiple intelligences and Second Life
Designed by Kevin Brace: JISC Regional Support Centre West Midlands
http://www.rsc-wm.ac.uk
Kevin Brace
k.brace@wlv.ac.uk
(Derby University academic writing area, linked to their VLE)
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |
Introduction
You’ve read the overhyped media stories of marriage, divorce and
nefarious activities associated with online virtual worlds like Never
Winter Nights, World of Warcraft, etc. And the unhealthy amount of
hours our youth spend immersed in these 3D “worlds”. Like it or not
online multiplayer games, 3D immersive worlds, engaging graphics
and collaborative social networks are all being enjoyed by millions
of people plugged into these online worlds! Some are even making
money and Second Life (SL) one of these 3D immersive worlds has
even had its first millionaire. Academia is picking up on the
educational possibilities of these 3D worlds for engaging,
collaborative, and role play activities. Some of these 3D worlds are
also closing! Google recently announced their intention to stop
research (investment) into this emerging market.
This web quest will introduce you to the concept of utilising such a
web based platform to create or utilise the various areas of second
life to enhance learning. To underpin this quest you will also be
exposed to a framework of learning intelligences that certain
Second life areas can be used to exploit. Gardners Multiple
Intelligences can be used to help understand how you and others
think. With this knowledge, you as an educator can design learning
experiences to exploit your knowledge of these intelligences.
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |
The Task
The task is split into research, activity and evaluation sections. The
first part you are tasked with researching Gardeners Multiple
Intelligences and their use by educators to scaffold learning.
Secondly you are tasked with conducting some background research
on the current uses of SL in education. Once you’ve got a basic
understanding of the potential of SL, you must create your own
account, and follow links (SLURLS) provided to discover for yourself
the various areas of SL that could be used to exploit Multiple
Intelligences. Background reading and SL basics:
http://www.secondlife.com
http://informationgoddess.info/SecondLife
https://support.secondlife.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptI
D=4417
http://castorsretreat.wetpaint.com/page/FAQs
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4612700/Handbook-Orientation-
Programme-to-SL-for-PolyU-Students
http://mycourse.solent.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=1805
Following your experiences of SL, you are asked to write an
objective evaluation. The evaluation should include comments on
the literature and support available, potential pedagogic
underpinning of immersive worlds, ease of use, and suitability for
students, IT infrastructure required, etc. Include recommendations
to senior managers or peers who may be interested in exploiting
such a tool for academic or vocational learning for HE in FE. It may
be useful to refer back to a self defined set of criteria you are
evaluating against.
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |
The Process
1) In the first instance you are asked to discover more
about the theory of multiple intelligences and take a
simple test to determine your strongest preference.
What are Multiple Intelligences;
http://school.familyeducation.com/intelligence/special-
education/37704.html
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3
/ict/multiple_int/what.cfm
http://www.multipleintelligencetheory.co.uk/
Try out a simple online test to determine your strongest
intelligence;
http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/k
s3/ict/multiple_int/questions/choose_lang.cfm
2) Now to take some time to research the various uses
educators have already been using Second life to
exploit this multimedia enriched 3D environment:
http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses_pag
e1
http://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Top_20
_Educatioinal_Locations_in_Second_Life
http://www.eduserv.org.uk/foundation/studies/slsnapshots
3) Then read these guides on accessing and navigating
around SL. Note, a broadband Internet connection is
required. Speaker, microphone (optional), a download of the
SL software is required. A computer capable of viewing a 3D
world combined is required, together with unrestricted access
(College firewalls may impede this). Minimum computer
requirements are listed here :
http://secondlife.com/support/sysreqs.php
Getting started in SL:
http://sites.google.com/site/secondlifeenhancedlearning/
http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/gettingstarted#introductor
y
http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Getting_Started_in_SL
4) Finally create a SL account and use the links below to
navigate to various SL worlds. Note, these SL areas
have been divided into places which could be used to
exploit strongest or preferred intelligences. Copy these
SLURLS (website addresses) into a web browser and
then press the teleport button. Switch back (ALT +
TAB) to SL and accept the teleport option. You will now
teleport directly to the places described.
NOTE: You can also visit the specially designed monolith on Eduserv
Island to get these links to all the places to visit. After setting up
your SL account go to SLURL :
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eduserv%20Island/176/150/26
Take the note card from the monolith and save this in your personal
inventory.
Linguistic intelligence ("word smart"): These types of
thinkers love words, they have a wide breadth of
Vocabulary. Written txt and spoken word is king. Listening
to prose and poetry is enjoyed, as is playing with words.
Kriti Island (investigate the audio Whisper box installation)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kriti%20Island/229/13/2
1
Australian centre of virtual art, visual and audio.
Experience speaking words & the engaging babel pit.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/ACVA/112/169/296
Immersiva. There are snippets of poems lying around, and
also if you poke around some of the objects you will have
poems read back to you in chat. There is also music to
experience.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Immersiva/128/128/12
Gothic poetry. This place has really embraced the
multimedia capabilities of a 3D world. Excellent example of
what an immersive world can offer. There is a webquest to
pick up at the door
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eduisland%203/232/48/2
6
Foul Whisperings, Strange Matters. Macbeth in Second Life.
See and hear prose from Macbeth. Intriguing.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Macbeth/44/54/54
Logical-mathematical intelligence ("number/reasoning smart"):
These types of thinkers love solving problems. They are sorters and
categorisers, everything needs it's place. They love sorting stuff
into groups. Prioritising and having statistics to back up research
are also key traits. An engineering / scientific bias
Bromley College -- Shimmer Island - wind turbines - how to build
and script them - 3 video tutorials. See also their Linden scripting
exhibition with books and tutorials . Has some maths & stats for the
wind turbines.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Maritime%20Greenwich/8
5/20/21
Try out the logical puzzles on Zatorah Shepherd's multiple
intelligences build on Koru Island.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Koru/54/223/24
Warwick University maths area. Use the death clock, play Sudoku or
chess, and experience Newton’s laws of cooling.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Warwick%20University%
20Maths/157/62/23
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Warwick%20University%
20Maths/170/141/23
An astronomy room. Models of planets, with notecards, plus an
explanation of gravity and associated statistics.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Grouse/58/63/120
Spatial intelligence ("picture smart"): These types of thinkers
love pictures. They think in images. Those images are often linked
to specific locations (places/faces/spaces) They think in a graphical
way – mind maps are representative of this.
American Chemical Society. Has a animated model of molecules
making nylon lots of 3D modles of molecules.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/ACS/69/201/25v
Seifert Surface's island is a beautiful example of how maths can be
experienced visually:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/xyz/113/59/222/
EduIsland 3D map of the periodic table + scripting lesson.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Eduisland%20II/191/205/
22
Blooms taxonomy and social learning theory in 3D
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%204/224/164/25
Bodily-Kinaesthetic intelligence ("body smart"): These types of
thinkers are all about movement. Dancing and flying, and
especially mime would be preferred.
Tempura island to dance, reflect and meet others.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/tempura%20island/136/1
9/53
An ice rink with free skates, to experience movement.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Volpert/31/215/301
The Weather Channel. These Islands offer an opportunity to interact
with other residents, take on extreme-sport challenges and obtain
factual information about the real-world landscapes and climates
that are replicated there.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Weather/117/14/26
Winter sports At Saltzberg - try snowboarding.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Salzburg/10/239/102
Musical intelligence ("music smart"): These types of thinkers love
music –especially a rhythm. Sound and rhythm are preferred –
sometimes linked to lyrics. Sounds often used to link ideas
together. Memories can be stored associates to music/song through
writing their own lyrics to a know karaoke piece.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sweethearts/200/196/23
Sweethearts jazz club. chat, dance or play the piano, cello or
drums!
Interpersonal intelligence ("people smart"): These types of
thinkers like talking to others to find out what they are thinking and
check out their own ideas. They will discuss a topic to understand
others and to extend their confidence in their own ideas.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tintafel/32/24/767
Socrates cafe' - engaging conversation daily.
These next 3 areas are designed to create a role playing
experience. The areas have strict rules and protocols to ensure that
everyone participating is fully immersed in their chosen role. Not
unlike the Dungeons and Dragons board games, but in 3D!
Avilion
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Avilion/3/131/42
Toombstone
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Broken%20Rose/112/181
/704
Steampunk at Toxian city
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Toxia/214/103/23
Intrapersonal intelligence ("self smart"): These types of
thinkers are highly reflective. They will mull things over before
offering or discussing their own ideas. They are often good listeners
and remain on the outside of discussions though are often able to
summarise the process/discussion and draw an inference. They
enjoy reflective tools and a time/space to apply them.
Daiyu Island
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Daiyu%20Island/193/46/
4067
has a zither you can play, whilst contemplating the universe.
Bodhi Bodhi - Land of Buddhadharma, Bodhi for Tai Chi &
meditation.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Bodhi/162/41/26
Naturalist intelligence ("nature smart"): These types of thinkers
love nature. They have a good understanding of the balance of the
natural world, of the range of species and complexity of it.
Appreciate the beauty, variety and range. Often good at finding
their way around new places and environments.
Svarga Island. A densely forested island - not sure if there’s any
animals?
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Svarga/193/108/36
Chakryn forest. Find the secret places there too - the cave linked to
an underwater space and Bett's home inside the mountain. There
are a couple of quests there too for you to experience.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Chakryn/105/178/26
5) Evaluation. Following your experiences in SL write up a
short objective evaluation of your experiences. This
should be suitable for peers, managers or course
leaders to make an informed decision as to the
suitability of 3D immersive worlds for HE in FE delivery.
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |
Conclusion
On completing this web quest;
1) You have a deeper understanding of Gardners multiple
intelligences and their potential for educators.
2) You have an overview of the current practice in the use of SL
for HE.
3) You have personally experienced SL in the context of multiple
intelligences.
4) You have reflected upon your experiences to create an
evaluation of the potential for SL to be used in your
organisation.
5) You have identified issues associated with the implementation
of using Second Life for HE in FE delivery.
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |
Credits & References
Thanks to Gavin Kewley (http://in2uition.net/) who helped clarify Multiple
Intelligences, Sue McGregor and Tracey Daly (Solihull College) for
the inspiration and feedback. Thanks to Ian Lindsay (HEA UK HE in
FE coordinator) and Rob Pearce (HEA Engineering Subject Centre)
for their support, feedback and the monolith notecard in Eduserv
Island. Thanks also to the members of UK virtual worlds JSICMAIL
list (VIRTUALWORLDS@JISCMAIL.AC.UK), and especially to Jane
Edwards (Regional Support Centre - West Midlands) who helped
with a guided tour of her very useful land marks. May we also thank
Howard Gardner for our 3D interpretation of his theories on Multiple
Intelligences: http://www.howardgardner.com/
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Credits |