The document discusses a collaborative research initiative focused on STEM education within custom virtual worlds, particularly using platforms like OpenSim and Unity3D. It outlines various aspects such as geothermal research on Mars, nonlinear game design, and the integration of mobile and cloud technologies for enhanced digital literacy. Additionally, it explores blended learning components and the use of innovative educational tools and simulations in virtual environments.

1. Collaboration on Virtual Harmony: STEM Research on the
Mars Geothermal, Nonlinear Game Design on Atlantis and
Unity3D, and the Migration to MOSES
Andrew G. Stricker, Ph.D., The Air University
Cynthia A. Calongne, D.CS., Colorado Technical University
Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education, March 16, 2012

2. From Collaboration to MOSES
• Virtual Harmony • Custom virtual world using
OpenSim & open source tools
• Features Harmony - historical
• STEM Research and the Mars • IRB-approved research for a
Geothermal model-based reasoning in a
somatic computing study
• Nonlinear Game Design on • Digital literacy learning game in
Atlantis and Unity3D Unity3D , Harmony and iPhone
• Migration to MOSES • OAR files loaded on MOSES;
class meetings in both environs

3. Virtual World Integration
• Virtual Harmony – custom • Creative designs by Andy
designs, open source tools Stricker, modeling harmonious
historical settings for research
• STEM and Digital Literacy from • Collaborative STEM and digital
Virtual Harmony to Unity3D literacy research w/ Auburn,
and the iPhone Columbia, AU and CTU
• Second Life Classes • SL Simulations and reflection
• MOSES • Portability, test & class activity
• NSF grant and Inworldz • Lane Community College’s
learning simulations & testing

4. Atlantis on Virtual Harmony

5. …why STEM in 3D worlds?

6. Key architectural features
supporting STEM in 3D ...
- Blended Learning Strategies
- Flow
- Cloud, Mobile, 3D Worlds, and
Locomotion Computing

7. Blended Learning Components...

8. Just-in-Time Teaching flow...
- Advance organizer
- Pre-knowledge check
- Interactive activity
- Post-knowledge check
- Instructor analysis
- Interactive discussion
- Follow-up activity

9. Cloud, Mobile, 3D Worlds, and
Locomotion Computing...

10. OpenSim Unity3D Edu-Sim Pandora-Bot
Back end Server Services
User Database
Databases Engine
Middleware MySQL-PHP or MSSQL-ASP
Web Services Deskto
Front end Browse
for Client Viewers/Browsers Mobile p
r
Laptop
OpenSim Unity3D
3D world 3D world Access
Virtusph
ere
Alternative Entry Points
3rd-party voice In-world event Content
(e.g. Ventrillo, Vivox) tracking Management
Systems
3rd-party IP In-world chat
videoconferencing communication Learning Management
Systems
Low-residency blended learning edu-sim architecture.

11. Putting it all together...
...prototyping the art of the possible

13. Mystery of the Red
and White Dragons
Pilot prototype is designed to help develop learning
style skills and literacies associated with:
- Influencing and leading others
- Creating new ways of thinking and doing
- Experimenting with new ideas
- Being sensitive to values
- Imagining the implications of ambiguous situations

14. Learning styles and digital literacy
models used in pilot...
Kolb Learning Styles... Technology Arc...

15. Role of iPhone App...

16. Questions?

17. References
• Virtual Harmony – Dr. Andy Stricker and the GLF
– http://harmonyestate.dyndns-ip.com/
• Sustainable 3D Worlds
– http://unity.em840.com/Virtual_Harmony/Welcome.html
• Presentations
– http://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
• Emerging Media and Innovation
– http://ctusoftware.blogspot.com
• Military Open Simulator Enterprise Strategy (MOSES)
– http://fvwc.army.mil/moses/ and http://fvwc.army.mil/
• Ephemeral Project Wiki on MOSES
– http://107.7.21.234/redmine/wiki/moses/Ephemeral

18. Collaboration on Virtual Harmony
STEM Research on the Mars Geothermal,
For more information Nonlinear Game Design on Atlantis and
Unity3D and the Migration to MOSES
Dr. Andrew Stricker
Spinoza Quinnell in Second Life
Dr. Cynthia Calongne
Lyr Lobo in Second Life
Spinoza Quinnell Lyr Lobo
For a copy of these slides, visit:
http://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo