UC s Galapagos Project in Second Life Opens Up New Worlds Through a Virtual One
The University of Cincinnatis Second Life Learning Community Second Life Ambassador, Chris Collins, and Darwin Sesquicentennial Committee Chair, Ron Millard, were interviewed by REAL BIZ in SL.
The show gives those who don't have access to Second Life on their computers yet a unique opportunity to see what the excitement is all about.
The interviewer was in Alaska, the interviewees were in Cincinnati, but all the action took place in the virtual Galapagos Archipelago, created by the University of Cincinnati (UC) as part of the year-long celebration of the bicentennial of Darwins birth and the sesquicentennial of Darwin's On the Origin of Species.
UCs work in Second Life (SL), an Internet-based virtual world developed by Linden Lab, has already gained national acclaim. Under the direction of UCits Chris Collins, Second Life Learning Community Second Life Ambassador (Second Life name: Fleep Tuque), UC has created a virtual Galapagos Islands.
A rough mock-up of the HMS Beagle is docked by the wind surfer, which stands ready to take riders to the islands.
Right now visits to the Island are by invitation only, Collins explains. But by January, we plan to be able to open it up to the world to explore the Galapagos and retrace the voyage of the HMS Beagle.
In SL lingo, the Galapagos Project takes up four sims squares of real estate, so to speak so the project is not a small undertaking. But thats part of the value of having the Second Life version for students to experience.
When faculty are teaching students, I think its sometimes hard to get a sense of scale, says Collins. Its our hope that students get immersed in the science through Second Life.
Original plans for the Beagle are being used to build the virtual Beagle.
In addition to the vastness of the islands themselves, the painstaking attention to accuracy of detail is incredible.
"I was admittedly a bit skeptical when I first heard of doing it, says Ken Petren, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Petrens areas of expertise are Darwins finches and geckos, which he has studied during his many trips to the Galapagos. But under Petrens guidance, and with the assistance of his photographs, student Greg Mefford (SL name: Fergo Pickles) has created some models that Petren has deemed impressive.
Biologist Ken Petren's original photos and data are being used ensure accuracy of the finch beaks.
Beyond the value to the worlds educators and students who perhaps cannot afford a trip to the Galapagos Islands, there is a value to the Galapagos Islands themselves, says Ron Millard, chair of UCs Darwin Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee (SL name: Darwin Aristocrat).
"What better way to demonstrate our commitment to science literacy? asks Millard. We are opening up worlds of scientific discovery to new generations of young scientists and researchers yet diminishing the human and ecological impact.
Dont have Second Life on your computer? No need! Watch the "REAL BIZ in SL" interview archived here!
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About the Darwin Sesquicentennial Evolution: Evidence & Impact
Throughout our year-long celebration of the bicentennial of Darwins birth and the sesquicentennial anniversary of the publication of Darwin's On the Origin of Species, we hope to communicate the many contemporary applications of
- Darwins theory of evolution by common descent,
- the breadth of Darwins research and its ramifications,
- the truth of Darwins work as a cornerstone of modern science and
- the multiple applications of evolutionary theory throughout UC research.
About Second Life
Open to the public since 2003, Second Life (SL) is an Internet-based virtual world that came to international attention through mainstream news media in late 2006 and early 2007. Developed by Linden Lab, a downloadable client program enables its users, called residents, to interact with each other through motional avatars. Through their avatars, residents can explore, meet other residents, socialize, participate in individual and group activities, and create and trade items (virtual property) and services from one another.
Chris Collins watches over UC's Galapagos Project in Second Life, while a friendly gecko watches over Fleep Tuque.
About REAL BIZ in SL
Real companies, virtual worlds... REAL BIZ in SL is an SLCN.tv show entirely filmed in Second Life. REAL BIZ profiles a different real world company every Monday (2 p.m. SLT/5 p.m. EST). Watch the show live from Athena Isle. And join the REAL BIZ in SL group!
Other News About UC and Second Life
11/26/2007 Through Second Life, UC Profs Hold Virtual Barn Dance
More UC Darwin Sesquicentennial News
10/16/2008 Chronicle of Higher Ed's WiredCampus: Darwin's Famous Journey Is Recreated in Second Life
9/15/2008 EduCause: UC's Virtual Galapagos Makes a Big Splash in Second Life
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