3D virtual worlds, or games-based learning, will be mainstream in all K-12 schools, international or not, as early as 2013. Learn how your school should and can get started with OpenSimulator (OpenSim), Second Life, Quest Atlantis and Unity/Jibe. David W. Deeds has been using 3D virtual worlds to teach computer science, business management and other subjects in universities and international schools since 2006.

1. David W. Deeds, IT Manager/Teacher
Changchun American International School
Beijing Learning Summit: November 19, 2011
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2. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
What are we trying to do?
 Introduce 3D virtual worlds to “noobs” (newbies)
 Provide more 3DVW info to those already familiar
 Discuss why 3DVW’s are the best thing to hit
education since the invention of the printing press
 Discuss how your school can get started with 3DVW’s
 Ideally without reinventing the wheel (or e-book!)
What are we NOT trying to do?
 Convert the hopeless heathens to the one true faith
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3. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Virtual world – a 3D computer environment in
which users are represented on screen as
themselves or as made-up characters and interact
in real time with other users
– Computer Desktop Encyclopedia
MMOG = Massively Multiplayer Online Games
MMORPG = MMO Role Playing Games
MUVE = MultiUser Virtual Environment (Immersive)
(Try to avoid using the word “game”!)
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4. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Today we’ll be talking about:
 Second Life
 OpenSimulator
 Quest Atlantis
 Unity3D/Jibe
Using 3DVW’s for K-12 education, specifically in
international schools! People ARE getting it!
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5. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
International educational technology conferences
during 2011:
 Flat Classroom Conference in Beijing
 AACE Global Learn Asia Pacific Conference in
Melbourne (2nd consecutive GLAP)
 AACE ED-MEDIA Conference in Lisbon
 Global Meeting on Gifted Education in Second
Life Conference inworld
 TechEx 2011 in Bangkok
 Global Education Conference online
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6. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Get a copy of:
 “2011 Horizon Report K-12 Version,” free:
http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2011-Horizon-Report-
K12.pdf
 “OpenSimulator: School Quick Start Guide,” free:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/57959626/OpenSim-
ulator-School-Quick-Start-Guide
 “A Practical Guide to Using Second Life in Higher
Education” by Maggi Savin-Baden, not free:
Open University Press (McGraw-Hill),
ISBN: 978-0335242146 (http://www.ebooks.com)
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7. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
The 2011 Horizon Report says games-based learning
will be MAINSTREAM in K-12 schools in 2-3 years.
 Supports communication, problem-solving and
collaboration (2 of the Web 2.0 3 C’s – also
connection, ISTE NETS!)
 Helps develop dispositions well-suited to rapid
change and an information culture in general
 Includes social aspects of teamwork, project
management, play
(How about being FUN? STEM!)
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8. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Savin-Badin’s “Practical Guide” says “immersive
virtual worlds” have many advantages.
 Space in which experimentation can occur not
possible in real life
 Good fit for a culture that focuses on the visual
 Provides a sense of freedom and openness in
teaching and learning
 Offers exposure to wide range of scenarios
 Enables process- or task-based teaching/learning
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9. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Deeds says, should he ever get time to write his next
book, that 3DVW’s will be an indispensable part
of if not the focal point of 21st century education,
for K-12 and all schools.
 No better way to teach the 3 C’s: Connect,
Communicate and Collaborate
 For international schools, 3DVW’s help students
(and teachers) transcend the language barrier
 Gifted and Special Needs programs built-in
 K-12 OpenSimulator Grid/Second Life Islands
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10. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life:
 Launched by Linden Labs in 2003
 3D virtual world with built-in modeling (CAD)
tools and Linden Scripting Language
 Not a game (per se): connect, communicate and
collaborate (also conduct commerce!)
 Q1 2011 holdings: US$30,000,000
 Been in Second Life for 5 years, taken over 500
students inworld for different classes
 Basic membership FREE, Premium $75/year
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11. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life Business/IT/Other classes since 2006:
 Professor in Korean university’s International
Business Department
 Students from Korea, China, Russia, Vietnam,
Laos and other countries (widely varying English)
 No lower-level textbooks for subjects such as
Management Information Systems!
 Needed a means of differentiation:
“gifted/talented” plus “regulars” plus “special
needs” kids
 Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol
(SIOP), Individualized Education Plans (IEP)
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12. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Individualized Education Plans (IEP):
 Started with Ph.D. research, means of meeting
needs of all students across the spectrum
 Tried formal IEPs but involved a lot of
paperwork, easier to make informal, although
signatures help
 Better to develop “skeleton” lesson plans that
can be adapted, special needs or
gifted/talented kids and all “regulars”
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13. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
 ASMeB = Anti Social Media Behavior
 2D tools (wikis, blogs, etc.) enable the
3 C’s…people just won’t/don’t do it
 Facebook Phobia: people lose jobs for posting:
photographs; opinions; etc.
 Privacy concerns; awareness of permanence;
hesitation to write in general
 Exchanges are generally asynchronous, text
 Innovative? Interesting? FUN?
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14. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Generic international school problems:
 Schools are geographically separated, isolated
 No IT classes, or Design/Technology split
 Teaching 21st century tech: teachers, budgets
Specific 3 C’s Problems:
 Students aren’t necessarily fluent in LOI
 2D tools are limited: subjects especially!
 Privacy; permanence; ASMeB; FUN?
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in International Schools
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in International Schools
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in International Schools
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18. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life Demo
(Hopefully live, maybe recorded)
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19. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
OpenSimulator:
 Came onto the scene in 2007, now at 0.7.2 (still
alpha, not yet at Version 1)
 NOT a Second Life clone! (Viewers are)
 3D virtual world with built-in modeling (CAD)
tools and Linden Scripting Language
 Not a game (per se): connect, communicate and
collaborate (conduct commerce later?)
 Been in OpenSimulator since 2008, taken over 150
students inworld for different classes
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20. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
OpenSimulator:
 FREE, although hosted solutions best for most
schools (if you have good Internet access!)
 Two Do It Yourself options: client/local or
client/server
 Still not mature, but getting there…soon (??)
should be able to do everything Second Life does
and so it’s predicted to come out on top
 Open Wonderland, others have come and gone…
OpenSimulator will be the #1 choice of schools
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21. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
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22. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
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in International Schools
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24. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
OpenSimulator Demo
(Hopefully live, maybe recorded)
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25. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
At CAIS, we use:
 Munchkinland for PYP (elementary school) ICT
classes: running on Big Bertha
 4-region private grid called Florida Caisland via
ReactionGrid for MYP Technology classes
 1-region public grid called just plain Caisland in
ReactionGrid (K-12s Inworld headquarters)
 An almost 10,000-square-meter cybercampus on
Teaching in Second Life (K-12s Inworld HQ) for
DP Info Technology in a Global Society classes
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26. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Advantages of OpenSimulator over Second Life:
 FREE (the software anyway)
 Private versus public (if you want it this way)
 Complete control over parameters
Advantages of Second Life over OpenSimulator:
 Where everybody is, at least grownups!
 Economy, exchange of goods and services
 More mature, it’s a for-profit business
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27. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life and OpenSim:
 Built-in computer-aided design (3D modeling)
tools: students build their own worlds
 Built-in Linden Scripting Language: students
easily learn programming with instant payoff
 Project management: students must work
together in teams with defined roles and
responsibilities
 Language exchange programs: virtual field trips!
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28. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life: Teachers/Administrators & Students 16+:
 Teachers/administrators can attend meetings and
otherwise network with professional peers
 Students can produce products and run their own
businesses, making actual profits if successful
 Teachers/administrators can recruit and otherwise
advertise their organizations
 Students can visit the cybercampuses of
universities or colleges they want to attend
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29. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
OpenSim: Teachers/Administrators & Students 3-19:
 With grid, teachers/administrators can do
everything possible in Second Life, except perhaps
economics
 Students can enjoy completely private
regions/grids while intermittently going on virtual
field trips
 Technology classes can feature true continuity:
students starting as of PYP could be professional
builders/programmers by DP
 Younger students learn all computer basics plus
advanced aspects such as project management
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30. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Problems? What problems?
 Geographic location/isolation no longer a factor
(except for time zones). Virtual China or Italy “next
door”! 3D meetings 24X7.
 Information and Design Technology tracks
combined! Or just Design, using 3D modeling.
 21st century educational technology at $100 a month,
with teachers and students training simultaneously!
 3D enables struggling students to succeed, while
native speakers excel: ultimate differentiated
classroom! Special needs and gifted/talented.
 Avatars are anonymous; people talk, not write; no
such thing as ASMeB; and yes, it’s FUN!
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31. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life and OpenSim, what have we learned?
Students:
 Computer-Aided Design, Programming, Project
Management, Business, English
 Social Constructivism (Reality, Knowledge
Learning), Learner-Centric Instruction, IB Design
Cycle: Investigate, Design, Plan, Create, Evaluate
Teachers:
 Inclusion, Differentiation, Sheltered Instruction
Observation Protocol (SIOP)
 Problem-/Task-Based Instruction, Action/Active
Learning, Reciprocal Guidance, Inquiry-Based
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32. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf (Prices might not be right!)
Second Life:
 New Media Consortium
 Jokaydia Grid
 International School Islands
OpenSimulator:
 ReactionGrid
 Jokaydia Grid
 Do It Yourself: Client/Local or Client/Server
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33. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life
Getting Your Cyberturf: New Media Consortium
 International, nonprofit organization
 Linden Lab certified service provider
 Offers discounts for educational organizations
 Mutual facilities on each sim, plus entire islands
with facilities
 Other services available, up to designing and
building entire island
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34. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life
Getting Your Cyberturf: New Media Consortium
 2048 sq m (64 x 32, 469 prims) US$200/year
 4096 sq m (64 x 64, 938 prims) US$400/year
 8192 sq m (128 x 64, 1875 prims) US$800/year
 Entire sim (256 x 256, 15000 prims) US$5000/year
http://virtualworlds.nmc.org/services/
Contact: Nancy Reeves (nancy@nmc.org)
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35. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life
Getting Your Cyberturf: Jokaydia
(Also rents OpenSim regions)
 1024 sq m (235 prims) US$350/year
 1500 sq m (350 prims) US$450/year
http://slurl.com/secondlife/jokaydia/127/127/24/
http://jokaydia.com/rentals/index.php
Contact: Jo Kay (joannamkay@gmail.com)
(Jokay Wollongong in Second Life)
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36. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Second Life
Getting Your Cyberturf: International School Islands
 512 sq m (110 prims) US$95/year
 1024 sq m (220 prims) US $190 per year
 Individual mini-island , 512 sq m (130 prims) US$200
/year
http://slurl.com/secondlife/International%20Schools/6
8/82/24/
http://www.shambles.net/secondlife/isi_renting/index.
htm
Contact: Chris Smith (shambles.guru@gmail.com)
(Shamblesguru Voom in Second Life)
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in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf: Timbucks
 4096 sq m (460 prims) US$300/year
(Price varies if inland or beachfront, customizable)
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Timbucks/123/245/23/
Contact: Tammy DeCoste (Knotawriter@gmail.com)
(Knota Writer in Second Life)
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38. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
OpenSimulator: Getting Your Cyberturf Options:
 Private Region/Grid for School
 Connected Grid for Multiple Schools (e.g., China,
Harrow, International Baccaleaurate
Organization, 21st Century Schools)
Three Vendors Offering Both:
 ReactionGrid
 Jokaydia
 Dreamland Metaverse
 Do It Yourself (see the e-book!)
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39. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf: ReactionGrid
(Also has Unity/Jibe Acccounts)
http://reactiongrid.myshopify.com/collections/
virtual-worlds
 US$75/month for 4 regions, US$220 setup (each school
gets its own server)
 Grids: 1 week, prices depend on power/users
Contact: Robin Gomboy (robing2@reactiongrid.com)
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40. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf: Jokaydia
(Also rents Second Life regions)
http://www.jokaydiagrid.com/rent-a-sim/
 1 region: US$25/month
 2 regions: US$50/month
 3 regions: US$75/month
 Grid: 1 week, prices depend on power/users
Contact: Jo Kay (joannamkay@gmail.com)
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41. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf: Dreamland Metaverse
(No Setup Costs)
http://www.dreamlandmetaverse.com/
 Residential Region (40 avatars): US$45/month
 Professional Region (80 avatars, 45000 prims):
US$90/month
 Grid: 1 week , US$45 Core + US$45 Each School
Contact: Snoopy Pfeffer (snoopy.pfeffer@yahoo.com)
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42. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Getting Your Cyberturf: Do It Yourself!
 Client/Local
 Client/Server
“OpenSimulator: School Quick Start Guide” has
step-by-step directions.
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43. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
K-12 OpenSimulator Grid! This is the year!
Presentation request to IB Asia Pacific Conference.
Proposal to the IB or other organization (ISTE,
AACE, Global Education Collaborative)!
Looking for people to help with proposal, grant
request writing (or just general contacting).
Check out Dragan Lakic’s KIVIWO and its
partnership with SpotOn3D: http://kiviwo.com/
Also could have K-12 Island(s) in Second Life!
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in International Schools
Quest Atlantis: http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/
 Prebuilt 3DVW with quests (you can build/create)
 From the University of Indiana, FREE
 For students 9-16, maybe as young as 8
 CAIS took MYP English classes inworld last year
 Three teachers in training as of this week
 Trainers in Australia, regular schedule
 Must have 2 teachers, 4 1-hour online classes
Contact Bronwyn Stuckey: bstucke@indiana.edu
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45. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Quest Atlantis Demo
(Hopefully live, maybe recorded)
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in International Schools
Unity3D: http://unity3d.com/
Fantastic, FREE (basic version) 3D game IDE!
iPhone or Android license costs money, US$1500
Unity/Jibe: http://www.reactiongrid.com/
Proprietary server platform for Unity development
ReactionGrid offers starter programs: US$125/3 mos.
More info: http://reactiongrid.myshopify.com/#1
3D game/app development without programming (?)
Contact Kyle Gomboy: create@reactiongrid.com
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47. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Unity/Jibe Demo
(Hopefully live, maybe recorded)
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48. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Essential sources…the official guides:
 “Second Life: The Official Guide” by Michael
Rymaszewski, et al., ISBN: 978-0470227756
 “Creating Your World: The Official Guide to
Advanced Content Creation in Second Life” by
Aimee Weber, et al., ISBN: 978-0470171141
 “Scripting Your World: The Official Guide to
Second Life Scripting” by Dana Moore,
ISBN: 978-0470339831
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49. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Essential sources…three textbooks:
All by Jeff Heaton, Heaton Research, Inc.
 “Introduction to Linden Scripting Language for
Second Life,” ISBN: 978-1604390049
 “Scripting Recipes for Second Life,”
ISBN: 978-1604390001
 “Introduction to Textures, Animation Audio and
Sculpting in Second Life,” ISBN: 978-1604390025
(http://www.heatonresearch.com/book/cat/3)
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50. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
More information:
 “Learning and Teaching in the Virtual World of
Second Life” (edited) by Judith
Molka-Danielsen, Tapir Academic Press,
ISBN: 978-8251923538
 “The Second Life Grid: The Official Guide to
Communication, Collaboration and Community
Engagement” by Kimberly Rufer-Bach, Wiley
Publishing, ISBN: 978-0470412916
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51. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Thank you…
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52. Using 3D Virtual Worlds
in International Schools
Thank you for your attention!
Questions/Comments?
David W. Deeds, IT Manager/Teacher
Work: +86-431-8458-1234, ddeeds@caischina.org
Home: +86-186-8668-4534, davidwdeeds@yahoo.com
Facebook & LinkedIn: David W. Deeds
Skype: davidwdeeds, Twitter: dwdeeds
Second Life: Deed Davids (visit Teaching!)
ReactionGrid: Deed Davids (visit Caisland!)
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