Moderation in virtual reality environments

For better or worse, I’ve never been a fan of virtual reality. As far as I can tell, they don’t have many of the traits I expect in an efficient information-sharing environment, and several drawbacks. As for the gaming value, I don’t care much, either.

The saving grace is their ability to engage the attention and provide a pleasant environment (for some). In other words, given the right circumstances, it works. I’m talking, evidently, about the use of Second Life as a management and community-building tool.

I just spotted this in the On-fac mailing list, from Sylvia Currie. It might be useful for those wanting to dabble hands-on with it:

Attention all SL enthusiasts! Please join us for this seminar
discussion at SCoPE: http://scope.lidc.sfu.ca

Key Competencies for Second Life Moderators: February 7 – 16, 2008

Facilitator: Gilly Salmon

Description:
Many educators are familiar with Salmon’s 5 stage model for
e-moderating. How should this model be revised for Second Life
moderators? Gilly invites you to join her in a 10-day discussion to
identify the key competencies required of moderators in a virtual world.

This work will inform the upcoming SL training for moderators as part
of the MOOSE project (MOdelling Of SecondLife Environments)

Here is a direct link to the seminar:
http://scope.lidc.sfu.ca/mod/forum/view.php?id=868

SCoPE activities are free and open to the public.