Virtual World Best Practices in Education 2025 Conference

 

By Dancerina Starlight

It is the last month of the first quarter of 2025, and it is time for Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education (VWBPE). The VWBPE is a global grassroots community event, which focuses on education in immersive virtual environments. Organized by the Second Life community, the conference is designed to provide space to showcase immersive learning in virtual worlds.

This year's theme proves to lend to some really interesting topics over the three-day conference. The conference will occur from Thursday, April 3 to Saturday, April 5. However, there will be a kick-off party for all volunteers on Tuesday, April 1 at 4:00 PM SLT. All are welcome to join and have a great time.

Where will the Conference Take Place?

All sessions of the VWBPE 2025 Conference are held in Second Life®. A few exceptions are the Immersive Experiences that occur before and after the conference, which may be in SL or other online venues. All times are in SLT (US Pacific Daylight Time).

You may access this time zone converter for your local time: http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/converter.html.
 

How Do I Get to the Session?

To teleport to a session, open an individual event on the calendar from any calendar view. A window will open and you will either see SLURL links in the text or a text link at right that says “Go to event website” – clicking either link will take you to a separate tab or window with the familiar SL map. You can then either copy the URL at the top of that page, or right-click the “visit this location” button and copy that link address, then paste in the location box at the top of your viewer window and press “enter”.

Teleport boards will also be available in convenient locations around the regions for your use as well.

Can I Add Sessions to My Own Calendar?

Yes! You can add these events to your personal calendar! You don’t have to miss any sessions of the conference!
• To add all VWBPE conference events to your calendar, find the “Add to Calendar” button and click on it. You will find options to add to your Google, Outlook or Apple calendar.
• To add individual sessions, click the event and find the “Subscribe” button on that page.

Daylight Saving Time

In most of the United States and Canada, Daylight Saving Time is in effect as of 08 March 2025. Is your location affected? Check this page to find out when (and if) Daylight Saving Time begins for you. The Spring/Fall time change occurs throughout March and April, if at all, depending upon your location.

The Posters, Exhibits and the Rock and Bone Mysteries conference game will all open at 9:00am SLT on Thursday, 03 April 2025.

(https://www.vwbpe.org/conference/vwbpe25-program)
 

Dancerina Starlight
 

 

 

 

 

 

Events

Valentine's Day - Love in the Air at Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic

 

By Dancerina Starlight

 

Despite one's position about Valentine's Day, it is clear the history of what we know as Love and Friendship Day, dates back to Ancient Rome.  And while Valentine's Day is now known for kissing, Valentine's Day gifts, and hard-to-get dinner reservations, the origins of the holiday are far less romantic.  Yet, how beautiful and super cool that resilient and relentless humans can aesthetically make lemonade from lemons.  Looking at a half full glass of lemonade versus a half filled glass with lemons, is a great perspective to have. Collectively, we have beat the odds and have set aside one day for the "unbeatable" state called LOVE!

We know that "in honor of one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine, and, through, later folk traditions, has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world. Regions known and unknown observe this day in reds and pinks; and even some purple and elegant blacks.

Here in Second Life, many regions coordinated events for such a special day. One named is Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic, owned and operated by Mrs. Orchide Delmar.

Each year Love & Harmony attracts the most in-love guests and members of its VIP tiered Clubs this time of the year. Approximately sixty-five (65) SL residents celebrated with Love & Harmony Jazz Romantic, from sun-up to sundown. Some engaged in semi private dinners, which started on Saturday February 10th through Wednesday February 14th. As couples wine, dined, and danced, Cupid was shooting his arrows of love over Love & Harmony all day.  Esteemed guests brought themselves and their sweethearts and others found love.  

As on a daily basis and any events, Mrs. Orchid Delmar sets the atmosphere accordingly. This year she was not shy about demonstrating her passion for Valentine's Day. The ballroom was decorated in shades of red and pink; accentuated with gold trimmings. Her expressed image of two pink hearts was hard to miss and this captured guests' attention. Guests repeatedly acknowledged the displayed symbolism of love and harmony.

As Mrs. Delmar remained among guests, she thanked them for coming and reminded them of the true meaning of love. Her expressed words are best defined in the unknown authored Valentine's Day poem.

As Mrs. Delmar remained among guests, she thanked them for coming and reminded them of the true meaning of love. Her expressed words are best defined in the unknown authored Valentine's Day poem.

Five little hearts, all in a row. The first one said, "I love you so!" The second one said, "Will you be my Valentine?" The third one said, "I will, if you'll be mine!" The fourth one said, "I'll always be your friend!" The fifth one said, "I'll be friends until the very end!"

As we ponder these words, let us remember that love is shared everyday of our lives, and we see it in each other in different ways.

Thank you, Mrs. Delmar, for creating a place called Love & Harmony.
 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Love%20and%20Harmony/134/162/21

https://www.facebook.com/LHSL22/
 
https://discord.gg/kWJkgKWAvM

Dancerina Starlight

 

JAPA World Tour And Graduation

 

 By Gemma Cleanslate

 

 

Our very own Dancerina Starlight who writes for the SL Newser invited us to a Showcase by Japa, The Foundation in Performing Arts April 30. The invitation read, “ In a fabulous spectacle combining Music, Movement, Dance and Light, JAPA Students will take you on a magical Journey to some of the countries of the word. We hope you enjoy this adventure with them! “

It was called World Tour and the backgrounds reflected that. It was delightful. Each student danced their own creative performance in a distinctive background and their choice of music.”

Below are several of the dancers expressing their choice of location in the world.

And Dancerina

The audience was full and so appreciative of the entire show. Many of the dancers had friends there who cheered them after the performance. Each one put a lot of work into studying how to create dances and all the accoutrements that went with their work of art. It was very impressive and enjoyed by all

This past Sunday the participants who showcased last week had an elegant Graduation. The venue was lovely and each student was presented to the audience and thanked both K L A R K (Klark Harvy), the Director and ᴅᴇʟᴀɴᴇʏ ᴊᴇɴꜱᴏɴ (DelaneyJenson Resident) Assistant Director, who were their Principals and instructors on their journey learning the elements of Choreographing in sl.

Klark addressed the class and reminded them of commitment, deligence, reliability humility, trying their best at all different levels and offered future help when asked. He reminded them to keep quality not quantity as a goal. Delaney also spoke to the group and talked about the last three months.stressing the same values as Klark and adding” fun … laughter .tears, new journeys”. She also promised help in their future endeavors.

Each graduate addressed the Principals and talked of their dedication to helping them on their way to being dance choreographers in the second life world. They also recognized the support of their classmates in achieving all that they did.

Dancerina said, “Thank you, Principal Klark Harvy and Vice Principal Delaney Jenson for your unwavering expectations of excellence in all aspects of the JAPA Foundation in Performing Arts Program. You have taught (me) us and have done that exceedingly well. You have prepared us for walls beyond the JAPA complex, which demonstrates your commitment to dance in Second Life at-large! Thank you!

Also, thank you, ladies for being so Class of 2023(ish)! *Winks* I appreciated all the support you each provided! Congratulations to us! Yeah, we didn't learn easily!”

After the ceremony all moved outside to enjoy a party with music provided by Faith Heartsong It was a delightful event all around. It will be fun to see what the graduates do with all their new found knowledge in Second Life.

Here is the full list of graduates. Keep an eye out for their creations.


Jaden Samas
Icy Zeplin
Inara Sugarplum
(Sarah) Sarah Flinker
Morganna Marenwolf
Darcy Darkheart
Dancerina Starlight
Lin Carlucci
(Raven) Ravyn Amore
(Rose) Rosewan Resident

Gemma Cleanslate

 

The Newser's New Year's Party

 

 By Bixyl Shuftan

On Saturday January 7, it was the day for the Newser's New Year's Party.

The Newser usually organizes two parties a year for it's staff and fans. Usually they're at a club. But by request they were on top of the paper's office at the HV Community sim. As the picture shows, at one point there were 24 in the sim, most at the party. 

 

 

When the time approached for the party, I headed over in my rocket, passing some homes in the Sunweaver community.

 

And soon got to the top of the office.

Rita Mariner was first there. Although at the hospital at the time, for a few days, she had occasional access to Second Life through her laptop.

DJ Snowbuns / Snowy HunniBunni Lefavre (Skylark Lefavre) played the tunes for the first hour.

 

Dancerina, one of the writers. was there fairly early, around the time the party started at 12 Noon.

Roving reporter Gemma Cleanslate arrived after a little while.

So did Jarden Alexis, head of the Premier Business Center, was also there.

Eventually, Gemma had to put a temporary cover over the opening for the stairs so no one would drio down by accident.

A serpentine girl who commented she was nicknamed "The neon noodle."

Ranchan Weidman on the left, the builder of the SL Newser office.

At 1 PM, DJ Grease Coakes took over the stream, dressed up in the Victorian outfit he wore at the SL19B.

Putting the Viewer at Midnight, the nron lighting was more visible.

DeniseUnicorn Toonie's horn was quite visible.

It was quite the party, and a little fun for the Newser team. For those who missed the party, don't worry too much. We're planning an anniversary bash in June.

Happy 2023

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Events

The SLCF's Second Life World Road Championship

 
By Rosie (RougeRedHead01 Resident)

     On April 11, our own Dancerina Starlight took part in the Second Life World Road Championship. The event included many residents all fighting for first place. This was her first race and she came in 10th!! Congratulation Dancerina!!

The top three winners were:
1 - Claire
2.- Le Sweetie Brook
3 - Elsie Valeska

     Claire now gets to wear the special rainbow jersey but only until she loses a race and then it gets passed on to the next winner when there is one. What impressed me was a comment she made at the end of the race, “yes tough race (smile) well done all.” I must admit that a smile appeared on my face because it was so nice to see Claire, after winning, congratulate the rest of the cyclists.

     A big thank you to Sophia’s for sponsoring the race. There was also a party at her club, to celebrate. There was dancing!

     I had a chance to speak with BillJobs64, the president of the Second Life Cycling Federation who was able to provide more information about the cycling federation. He tries to have at least one event per week. There are weekly challenges people can participate in. Prizes are given such as cash or medals but the most coveted award is the rainbow jersey. He has big plans, for instance they are building roads in the sky to organize road races with the possibility of having a Tour deSL race at some point in time.

     The next championship will be held in two months. Will Claire be able to hold onto the rainbow jersey or will she have to pass it to someone else who can peddle faster?

Rosie