The VWBPE 2022

 
By Gemma Cleanslate

One of the most prestigious international events of the year will open March 31. The Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Event will take place with a jam packed program with events for everyone interested in any way with education. Phoenix Rising is the theme this year. To learn more about the event, presenters and participants visit the website that will answer so many questions. https://www.vwbpe.org/

“The 15th annual Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conference will be an online distributed conference happening in multiple virtual spaces. This conference focuses on the use of immersive virtual environments for educational purposes including virtual and augmented reality. 

To the best ability possible, VWBPE provides educational and networking opportunities that are relevant to educational curriculum development utilizing virtual environments and “best practices”. These include

    helping to build community through extension of learning best practices to practical application of those ideas and techniques;
    providing networking opportunities for educators and the communities that help support education; and
    providing access to current innovations, trends, ideas, case studies, and other best practices for educators and the communities that help support education”

I have been hosting at the Gateway, Lecture Halls, Classrooms, Auditorium and other venues through out the extensive regions. This is the fifteenth year of presentations in SL. There is so much to see and absorb during the three days . I am glad it will probably remain open for visitors several days following the close.

Two keynotes are on the program which you can see on the program. Three guests will also address the conference. Workshops will be taking place all over. Fortunately there is a great hud to help you get around as well as many hosts to answer questions and help those not quite familiar with second life.Do not miss a visit to “Lest We Forget” area. Remembrance candles are set out for those who were part of the event in the past and have departed. There is a memorial this year for Ebbe Linden who was one of the guests last year. At the Gateway find the Swag Bag and get lots of information and the hud.

The social aspect is not ignored so there will be parties at the social area often. When one arrives at the entrance to the social area take a left and there is a room filled with free goodies to grab, clothing hats, boots, tee shirts and more. some cute slippers help after being on your feet. I am sure I will be wearing them for the dancing. Proceed to the dance floor where there will be lots of fun with good entertainment.

A hunt is going on during the days for Phoenix eggs. The eggs can be traded in as payment for goodies. You need a special hud for this so remember to go grab one. Check out the directions and go get those eggs! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Social%20Lyra/65/224/1717

Sponsors for the event are visible on blocks set a various sites and thanks to Linden Lab for being a Gold Sponsor. They are all listed on the website too. I am looking forward to the whole event . Say hi if you see me at work wearing the title VWBPE Host. Here is the Gateway, the best place to begin your visit and get that Swag.

Many education groups or related to education in Second Life have their own little islands in the sky where some will be hosting events there too but go visit the sites and get information on all each has to offer. Marcel Mosswood, one of our own SL Newser reporters has two such sites to visit. The hud will help you get to each site or ask for assistance. One can also fly or TP from one to another as you see them in the sky. The exhibits are listed separately on the hud.

Here is the entrance to the Gateway! http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Gateway%20Pyxis/100/128/24

Gemma Cleanslate
 *

The WVBPE Conference

By Gemma Cleanslate

“Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education is a meaningful way for presenters to share their research and experience about the rich learning systems in virtual worlds and games. This free online conference is produced entirely by volunteers. Conference proceedings are published as the Journal of Virtual Studies by Rockcliffe University Consortium.”

This is part of the mission statement of the VWBPE on the website. To learn about this conference go to the website  https://www.vwbpe.org/mission . The program, key speakers, events are listed there. The press release said it all. That is the Gateway to it all above.

I love this conference because it has far reaching effects to many who are interested in the use of virtual worlds for education. It certainly takes on more meaning in this day and age of using the internet for learning from preschool to adulthood. There are various complaints about video games but many contribute to following directions, decision making,  focus and other skills that aid in learning. I have been a greeter-host at the event for four years. I  love getting into the builds, the displays, attending some of the programs, social events and helping presenters, visitors and newcomers to second life orient to the many venues suspended in the installations. Each sponsor and displayer has their own little island in the sky to visit. You will find space freebies at the .... and in many exhibits and a hunt .

Last year the installation took on space to arrange the many venues up and down in the air. I was happy to see that they kept thee same locals this year and will keep it next year too I hear. It is too good to put in archives.The teleport hud, centers, and landmarks work so well to aid attendees and visitors.

Just to roam the many exhibits and pick up information is so  amazing. Attending the lectures gives one a perspective on worldwide education. The social gatherings are great fun with good music and camaraderie at the Social Spaceport. You will find space freebies here , and gifts in many exhibits and a hunt somewhere. I have to check into that! 

Do not miss this event. It will run March 18 through March 20, but I believe the venues will stay for a few days after.  Check the program page on line for more information about the lectures time and place. The region is open to the public now.You are invited . 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/VWBPE%20Gateway%20Pyxis/100/128/24 .

Grab a Swag Bag!

Gemma Cleanslate