This presentation is part of the Open Government Directive Workshop Series. Visit OpenGovPlaybook.Org for more info.

1. Trucking Towards a Virtual World:The Development and Utilization of FMCSA’s “Transportation Nation” Second Life Island Adam Schlicht Management AnalystIT Planning & Project Management, FMCSA January 11, 2010

2. What is Second Life? A Web 2.0 technology and virtual world accessible via the internet An interoperable, educational and collaborative tool currently used by many government agencies Air Force, NASA, NIH, NDU Offers worldwide access to information and a unique, creative platform for interaction with the public Air Force’s “MyBase” Second Life site NASA’s “CoLab” Second Life site

4. An online-meeting place for FMCSA employees across the country

5. FMCSA employees use avatars to access functionality from their desktopAn FMCSA employee “flies” in Transportation Nation, visiting several training, informational, and collaborative sites across the island.

6. Development of Transportation Nation Envisioned by senior staff within FMCSA’s Office of Information Technology Collaboration between modal administrations, including DOT’s CIO Council Contract with USCA International for island development Development of the “Social Media Extreme Team” Interaction with FMCSA’s National Training Center A replica of the DOT Headquarters features teleconferencing rooms, a library, and instructional lecture halls.

7. Current Functionality of Transportation Nation Consolidated Information and External Collaboration Teleconferencing, Instruction, and Training Video & PowerPoint Virtual Safety Investigations Video and PowerPoint demonstrations can be displayed to multiple participants via screening areas.

8. Ongoing Challenges The Second Life environment can be unwieldy; requires some restrictions Technical requirements to fully operate Transportation Nation for all FMCSA employees Costs associated with development and ongoing maintenance of Transportation Nation A replica motor carrier has an examinable chassis, including the engine, transmission, and axel, for online investigation demonstrations.

9. Impact of Virtual Worlds on Open Government Collaboration Participation Quality & Availability of Information Training & Engagement Links to external information from DOT and FMCSA websites is accessible, including detail information from all FMCSA field offices.

10. For More Information Contact:Adam Schlicht, Management AnalystIT Planning & Project ManagementFederal Motor Carrier Safety AdministrationPhone: 202-366-4441Email: adam.schlicht@dot.govDesk: W66-445 (USDOT Headquarters)