Resources

If you are getting started with Virtual Worlds, or for those attending our session at the Expanding Learning Horizons Conference, you may find the following resources helpful:
(***Notes free software to download)

OpenSim Wiki
Hippo OpenSim Viewer***
ReactionGrid

ReactionGrid can host an OpenSim server for you so that your school can have its own private virtual world. ReactionGrid also has a large public grid made up of a number of different sims that can be accessed by the general public.  ReactionGrid is rated “PG” with a strong focus on the education sector.  You can sign up for your own ReactionGrid account by clicking here.

JokaydiaGRID is an OpenSim grid managed by Jo Kay (see below for further information).  Click here to read more about JokaydiaGRID and sign up for an account.

Once you have signed up to access an OpenSim grid, you will need to add it to your Hippo OpenSim Viewer software. You many wish to watch a quick tutorial to learn how to do this.

PloppSL – the easy way to make sculpted prims***
Sculptypaint – create beautiful sculpted prims including amazing flower designs***
Scratch 4 OpenSim – see what’s possible when you combine Scratch with virtual worlds***
To use Scratch 4 OpenSim, you will also require a copy of a Script to use in-world with your objects.  You can download a copy of the Script here.
QAvimator – allows you to create poses and animations for your avatar***

Official Quest Atlantis Site
Voices of Quest Atlantis Blog
Quest Atlantis Teaching Wiki
My Quest Atlantis – Our School’s Quest Atlantis Blog

ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) and VSTE (Virginia Society for Technology in Education) run regular workshops, presentations and events in Second Life.  I have found the regular “Basic Skills Workshops” offered by ISTE very worthwhile if you would like to learn more about virtual worlds building.  Click here to view the ISTE Events Wiki.

The Jokaydia site has a wealth of resources for educators who are interested in virtual worlds. Jo Kay manages the Islands of Jokaydia in Second Life, the Jokaydia Sim on ReactionGrid as well as her own OpenSim grid known as JokaydiaGRID.  All of them are amazing places!

Second Life resident, Angsty Rossini, has put together a great site called, Let’s Start Building.  It contains step by step instructions for a number of exciting yet simple projects, including a virtual heart.