Second Life as a Virtual Setting for Academic Advising DUS Conference October 29, 2009 Richard Brungard Advising Program Coordinator Penn State World Campus [email_address] Second Life Avatar: JRichard Ragu

Penn State World Campus Number of current students enrolled 15,282 Percentage growth from previous year 51%% Number of total programs 62 Number of graduate degrees 15 Number of certificates 19 Number of undergraduate degrees 16 Number of undergraduate certificates 14 Number of continents with World Campus students 6 Number of countries with World Campus students 62 Number of states with World Campus students 50

Number of current students enrolled 15,282

Percentage growth from previous year 51%%

Number of total programs 62

Number of graduate degrees 15

Number of certificates 19

Number of undergraduate degrees 16

Number of undergraduate certificates 14

Number of continents with World Campus students 6

Number of countries with World Campus students 62

Number of states with World Campus students 50

Community “ It is essential the institution recognizes that a sense of community is important to the success of many students, and that an ongoing, long-term relationship is beneficial to both student and institution.” -Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET)

“ It is essential the institution recognizes that a sense of community is important to the success of many students, and that an ongoing, long-term relationship is beneficial to both student and institution.”

-Western Cooperative for Educational Telecommunications (WCET)

What is Second Life? Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by it residents. It is used as a platform for education by many institutions, such as colleges, universities, libraries and government agencies. At least 300 universities around the world teach courses or conduct research in Second Life. http://secondlife.com/whatis/?lang=en-US

Second Life is a 3-D virtual world created by it residents. It is used as a platform for education by many institutions, such as colleges, universities, libraries and government agencies. At least 300 universities around the world teach courses or conduct research in Second Life.

http://secondlife.com/whatis/?lang=en-US

Second Life ® -Launched in January 2009 -167 World Campus Group members -WC Students: 50% -WC Staff/Faculty: 25% -Other/Unknown: 25 %

-Launched in January 2009

-167 World Campus Group members

-WC Students: 50%

-WC Staff/Faculty: 25%

-Other/Unknown: 25 %

World Campus on Second Life Student Center Advising Center Library Services Career Center Penn State Digital Commons Virtual Bookstore Community Space Berkey Creamery College Diner

Student Center

Advising Center

Library Services

Career Center

Penn State Digital Commons

Virtual Bookstore

Community Space

Berkey Creamery

College Diner

The Connections Made “ Projects like the Penn State World Campus island in Second Life make a tremendous impact. In this virtual environment, I have met my adviser to discuss my classes and my plans, and received invaluable guidance in a way that makes me feel connected to the university. “ As an additional benefit, I have also met some of my classmates—not only others in my major, but (much to my surprise) some taking exactly the same class. I have even participated in one of the grandest Penn State traditions, the THON fund-raising effort. “ These experiences have truly given me the same sense of camaraderie that I enjoyed many years ago as a traditional college student, have reminded me that I’m not alone in my efforts, and have confirmed that Penn State is a special institution that has earned my loyalty. Because of these feelings, I know I am a part of the Penn State family.” — Brian H., Suffolk, VA

“ Projects like the Penn State World Campus island in Second Life make a tremendous impact. In this virtual

environment, I have met my adviser to discuss my classes

and my plans, and received invaluable guidance in a way that makes me feel connected to the university.

“ As an additional benefit, I have also met some of

my classmates—not only others in my major, but (much to my surprise) some taking exactly the same class. I have even participated in one of the grandest Penn State traditions, the THON fund-raising effort.

“ These experiences have truly given me the same sense of camaraderie that I enjoyed many years ago as a traditional college student, have reminded me that I’m not alone in my efforts, and have confirmed that Penn State is a special institution that has earned my loyalty. Because of these feelings, I know I am a part of the Penn State family.”

— Brian H., Suffolk, VA

Conduct in Second Life ® The adviser is expected to have the same ethical and professional standards as they would when dealing with World Campus students through any other method. The student signs and is expected to abide by the PSU Code of Conduct- The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the University community .

The adviser is expected to have the same ethical and professional standards as they would when dealing with World Campus students through any other method.

The student signs and is expected to abide by the PSU Code of Conduct-

The Code of Conduct describes behaviors that are inconsistent with the essential values of the University community .

Avatar Appearance Academic Advisers are expected to wear the supplied Penn State attire or the same type of clothing they would wear in the office. Students usually dress the way they would on campus or for work; sometimes they get even more creative!

Academic Advisers are expected to wear the

supplied Penn State attire or the same type of

clothing they would wear in the office. Students

usually dress the way

they would on campus

or for work; sometimes

they get even more

creative!

Avatar Appearance Several members of the Penn State World Campus Advising Team

Some Fun in Second Life ® ! World Campus Advisers are given Linden Dollars (250 Linden Dollars = about one US Dollar) To go shopping for clothing To go shopping for office furniture and accessories CLOTHING, HAIR, SKIN : Nyte ‘n Day, ETD, Blaze, OFFICE FURNISHINGS : Bastian’s Home Store, A Take on Simplicity, Shaples, EE Office and Home Furniture, Flower Power Garden Center

World Campus Advisers are given Linden Dollars

(250 Linden Dollars = about one US Dollar)

To go shopping for clothing

To go shopping for office furniture and accessories

CLOTHING, HAIR, SKIN : Nyte ‘n Day, ETD, Blaze,

OFFICE FURNISHINGS : Bastian’s Home Store, A Take on Simplicity, Shaples, EE Office and Home Furniture, Flower Power Garden Center

Second Life ® Also… — Allows for Participation in traditional Penn State Events THON ® Virtual Tailgate Homecoming Parade Graduation Reception — Assists in Community Building Psychology Club — Provides Support Services Libraries Advising Appointments Time for our demo!

— Allows for Participation in traditional Penn State Events

THON ®

Virtual Tailgate

Homecoming Parade

Graduation Reception

— Assists in Community Building

Psychology Club

— Provides Support Services

Libraries

Advising Appointments

Time for our demo!

Penn State World Campus Island

Lion Shrine

Advising Center

Community Room

Library Services

Courtyard

Berkey Creamery

Career Services Center

JAVA Patio

Amphitheatre

Orientation Area

Old Main

Hetzel Union Building (HUB)

Psychology Club

World Campus Beach