#9 Virtual Worlds

Well the time has come to confess... I am a Happy Second Life resident and have been for over 2 years, although I don't go inworld so much these days. I usually jump in two or three times a week for short periods. However I have made some wonderful friends and learned so much from my adventures in Second Life. 
For some, the social aspects of SL are paramount. For me, at first  it was exploring the many worlds and environments ---- all constructed by ordinary sl players. Then I discovered the fun and challenge of building and creating inworld and that absorbed me for ages.  I learned to use Photoshop and Gimp, I attended inworld tutorials and created my own buildings, plants, waterfalls, gardens, textures, even had a go at clothing.
The reason I gave SL a go in the first place was probably  the same reason that most of us are doing this course ... to learn about what young people are doing online. To my surprise I discovered that most Second Life players I encounter are in in the 30+ age group. (perhaps it has something to do with the choices I make with my time while there!)
The potential for using virtual world educationally is certainly there and is being utilised to some extent.  The pics in the link below  show scenes from the Cybercity sim which hosts many library facilities from all over the world. Quite a number of reputable universities have a Second Life presence. Chat can be voice or text based.
I kind of like the idea of boardroom meetings being held across the globe while the participants hang around the Eiffel Tower, or do a little Tai Chi in Space or dance in one of the beautiful ballrooms!

http://www.vuvox.com/collage/detail/03dc94fe6c


By the way, Vuvox is a great site for arranging  and presenting a series of photos for websites and blogs. You can embed the collage intoyour blog etc rather than use a link but I haven't worked out how to do it yet.

#8 iGoogle

I have used iGoogle as my home page for over a year now. not counting a recent brief trial of Google Chrome which has a useful feature of displaying frequently visited sites as icon links. It is also faster. However I have returned to iGoogle because I prefer its general layout and the customising options.  I have tried and tested many add ons over time but end up reverting to just the ABC News headlines and local weather. However, I can appreciate the appeal that iGoogle would have for those who enjoy a busy and entertaining home page that can include your email, facebook page and chat if you want. 
 Home. Favourites and History buttons on the top right are very handy. You also have easy access to Google Maps, Books, etc at the top left.
I enjoyed the Google video very much. What a great work place, which seems set up to encourage creative and out of the box thinking. If only we would incorporate some of these strategies further afield. Imagine being able to come to work at 11am if that's all you need to get your work done. I like it!

#7 Google Books

I love Google Books which provides so much accessible  information and is a treasure trove for teacher-librarians.  Just for fun I searched using Jackie French and came up with "Let's Read History with Jackie French."
 I was able to browse through some of the pages to check the content and it looks to be a great teaching resource.

#6 Google Maps

I have used Google Maps with upper primary students and they love it! I particularly appreciate the links that provide further detail and information. I had a lovely time revisiting Google Maps. Firstly I checked out the place where I am staying in Fiji in June ...aaah. Then I took a nostalgic walk from my old primary school to home. Boy has that route changed! The street view is so clear. It is almost like being there.

#5 Google docs

I have previously put a tentative toe into the Google docs waters but got more into it this time and was toattally immersed for a couple of hours. The time just flew! I played with the calendar, photos and reader and want to further explore the sharing and accessibility side of things. I still feel "funny" about putting family photos out there and hope that privacy and security is well established.