Just a quick note that the book chapter on virtual worlds, health and simulation I wrote during late 2010 is now available for ordering as part of the book Virtual Worlds and Metaverse Platforms: New Communication and Identity Paradigms Each chapter has an abstract available for viewing and a PDF sample of the first couple of pages (here's my PDF sample). There's an … [Read more...] about Virtual Worlds and Metaverse Platforms: New Communication and Identity Paradigms
Education
The Lab: virtual worlds learning at its very best
Over the past few months or I've followed the efforts of Dale Linegar and Stefan Schutt in establishing what is now known as The Lab. Melbourne-based and dedicated to providing support and skills to 10-16 year olds with Asperger's Syndrome, The Lab is already showing some great results. It's one of those initiatives that deserves much more kudos and funding than it is … [Read more...] about The Lab: virtual worlds learning at its very best
Journal of Virtual Worlds Research: new issue
The latest issue of the Journal of Virtual Worlds Research has been out for a few weeks now, and I’ve been meaning to posts a synopsis, so here’s exactly that for the peer-reviewed articles in Volume 3, No.3, with some horribly abbreviated summaries of findings for those too lazy to read the articles or the abstracts themselves. Synthesizing Presence: A Multidisciplinary … [Read more...] about Journal of Virtual Worlds Research: new issue
Avatars and body image: further research participants needed
A little over a year ago we reported on a research study underway into the link between avatars and body image. That research has been continuing ever since and the initial results were inconclusive. PhD student Jon-Paul Cacioli wants to delve a little deeper on a few things, so there's a follow-up survey for any male over the age of 18 who has an avatar in a virtual world. … [Read more...] about Avatars and body image: further research participants needed
Multiracial Identity in Second Life: survey participants sought
Passing on a call for survey participants from Hong Kong Polytechnic University. To participate you need to be from a multi-racial background. The full details: This is research conducted by Dean A. F. Gui (Second Life avatar, Hartwig Valerian) for research into multiracial identity in virtual worlds. Your participation is voluntary and identity kept anonymous. The only … [Read more...] about Multiracial Identity in Second Life: survey participants sought