globe

grenzenlos.or.at has this nice map of the world on their homepage to show all the locations where they provide an youth exchange program. This is possible in SL too, having a nice globe spinning and showing all the locations - including an link to the webpage of the program of Grenzenlos.

Potentially there can be all kind of data displayed and switched. Currently the information on the web-page is German - hopefully there will be some more languages soon to select ...

our first art exhibition opened

A first art exhibition is opened at the sky platform.



If you like these pictures, I can get you in contact with the artist - these pictures can be purchased in first live too!

join the club of clubs

Make it useful for people is the most important thing. Creating a home for clubs and non-profits who are internationally active is the next move. Two of them have already signed up Armada and recently grenzenlos.or.at who organize international youth exchange.

Initial contacts and interviews, some training sessions and exhibitions are first thoughts. Looking forward to see the activities evolve with them!

For those who are already in Second Life and member of one of the clubs ... drop me your Second Life name and I add you to the SL-group of Grenzenlos.

underwater classroom

For Philipp's diving classes I've found the perfect classroom. Including wet lock on the bottom of the submarine ...

just another building block ...

To organize courses I've set up moodle, which is widely used in schools and universities. Next will be to have a look at the moodle - Second Life integration ... find it sloodle.com

Meanwhile anyone who might be interested in "diving into" the facilities to have a look around please drop a mail or IM. I will create an user account for you.

first steps to found a school

Next is to use the island for some teaching. Yesterday Philipp thought he will lecture his theoretical diving lessons in Second Life. Why not "doing it" in a simulation rather than going through the books? Yes there will be an "real" exam at the end of the lessons - and all the practical stuff in reality too.

Another area of application are training sessions for youth exchange. Up today Christoph had to turn down some applicants who are coming from abroad, because travel expenses would be too high. Not any more, because if we manage to figure out a proper program "in world" no more traveling will be required.

A plus: All the sessions can be recorded and will be available as podcast - for those who want to have a second chance to attend ...

quickly

Yes, it takes time - much time. Probably too much for most, and usability could be much better.

On the other hand one can do things very, very fast. There is so much one can use and reuse - for free or some cents. The first house is built almost in seconds. The first animations added frankly.

It takes time, because there is so much to see, so many people to meet, so much to learn. On the other hand so many choices and helping hands make it easy to get settled quickly ...