Presented April 14, 2009 at TCC - The TCC Worldwide Online Conference is hosted annually by University of Hawai'i, Kapi'olani Community College (KCC) and the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, Educational Technology Department in association with Osaka Gakuin University (Japan) and in partnership with LearningTimes.org in New York. Presentation summary: Much has been made of the potential of virtual environments for planned and formal training and educative experiences. While the potential for educational organizations planning for educational activities in virtual environments is being recognized, less emphasis has been placed on the potential for these environments for self-directed and or informal learning. Second Life, (see www.secondlife.com) an online three-dimensional world, is emerging as a current exemplar of computer-based virtual environments. Work that is currently being done in the creation of an environmental and conceptual landscape for informal learning will be explored in this presentation.

1. Informal Adult Learning in Second Life Robin Ashford and Scot Headley: George Fox University

11. George Fox University Skydeck – Librarian’s office building, information resources, scripted objects, educational display, video, PPT, teleporter – home base for many

13. Welcome to students, course participants and our global education community Stop by & visit anytime: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%203/164/222/751

14. Librarian’s front office – Course specific information objects, scripted computers, tools

16. First class: meet & greet-reinforcing basic skills from orientation

17. Importance of avatar customization – Identity, comfort level, social presence

18. Abyss Museum of Ocean Science: Early intro to interactivity, immersion, presence

19. Learning the value of community and joining groups - ISTE Island

20. Immersive Educational Builds in SL UCDavis Virtual Hallucinations Genome Island Cell Biology OSU Testis Tour OSU Testis Tour

21. Dr Doug Danforth - Creating resources for medical students and sharing with the world

22. Students/faculty interview Dr. Doug after taking OSU Testis Tour during week

23. University of Sheffield faculty/senior lecturer, Sheila Webber (SL Sheila Yoshikawa), takes class on tour of her Infolit iSchool Island using tour chairs tool

24. Enjoying informal discussion with Sheila and students

25. Creator/founder of International Schools Island (ISI), Chris Smith (SL Shamblesguru Voom), shares from Thailand on his work with educators & educational tools in SL

26. HealthInfo Island with Carol Perryman-tour of nonprofits in SL

27. Monash University Chinese Tea House-interactive objects, language/culture learning

28. Language and Chinese culture learning-Monash University tour with Xilin ( 西林 ) – Vegetable garden tour-touch items for audio of name in Chinese language

29. Montclair State University Theorists Project tour with AJ Kelton (aka SL AJ Brooks)

30. Ready to Learn – How to make a new shirt

31. Everyone eager and ready for learning activity-confidence building and fun

32. Student takes the lead demonstrating and teaching building skills to class

34. Attending education roundtable discussions, presenting on Infolit iSchool Island, collaborating with Spinoza builder, attending ALA conference from inworld--opportunities for collaboration & informal learning in SL abound

35. Friends Meeting House

37. Cedar Island