ALG Group Meeting 2007-07-26

Decka hosted a lively meeting at Decka's Decks. I'll get back to this post as soon as I can...

Video Streaming - Learning how to...

An important aspect of teaching is the use of audio/visual aids. AV in Second Life is a bit (shall we say) primitive for an immersive 3d environment. Some time ago I was given FreeView FlatScreen TV by Bitje Smadga and although the picture slideshow worked I could never get the video streaming to go.

My intention was to use the TV as a display screen for slide and video presentations, because it provides basic menu selection tools to viewers who aren't the owner. The bookmarks behind the menu are easily edited as a Note.

The FreeView FlatScreen TV links to an online guide:

Hurdles overcome included:

• Parcel Owner restrictions on video media - solved by buying some land.
• Quicktime source video streaming formats - partially solved by using MP4 (info below)
• A file hosting service that doesn't convert to FLV format - I used Airset
  

It works OK. Still need to test it with a non-owner avatar user. Also still need to produce streaming video, currently the file needs to completely download before playing.

*** Have now tested it with another avatar and found that they need to be a member of the group associated with the flat screen TV in order to use its menu system. However it does not need to be 'Shared' with the group (that allows group members to take it away). I've set up Workplace English as the group which anyone can join from my profile.

Now we need to find out how to stream properly (might need to buy Quicktime Pro), and also need to increase the video resolution (now using MP4 320x240 which is OK for video but not really for text presentations). ***

Torley Linden has a couple of useful blogs on the subject:

• http://torley.com/play-youtube-mobile-videos-directly-in-second-life
  
• http://torley.com/how-to-convert-youtube-videos-for-playing-in-second-life
  

Useful online video converters are:

• http://vixy.net/ (problem producing streaming video rather than downloaded) and
• https://veodia.com/beta/index.php

The vixy site was recommended by Torley while the veodia site was recommended by Rob Smart:http://robsmart.co.uk/2007/06/27/free-video-streaming-into-second-life/

Another useful movie site is:http://www.movie-list.com/
The Second Life Wiki article is here: https://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Streaming_Video

Here's a pic of the screen working with a slave texture on another object. A parcel has a single video and audio stream available selectable directly through the menu World - About Land - Media. The TV sets this parameter automatically, but any other objects in the land parcel area
containing the same textures will also display the video.



*** (update 2007-07-27) Success! Can now stream video directly into Second Life using Veodia. The clue came from http://robsmart.co.uk/2007/06/27/free-video-streaming-into-second-life/
Veodia is a web broadcasting site which happens to present files in Quicktime streaming format rather than FLV (a la YouTube etc) meaning that a Veodia broadcast can be streamed into Second Life. Moreover Veodia allows live broadcasting using a web camera so you can live stream into SL. Veodia is designed for maximum compatibility with browsers and even mobile devices making it extremely useful for business/education/anything broadcasts. It also allows a (non-live) broadcast file to be downloaded in mobile device formats (Ipod etc).

Veodia's CEO has published the following explanation of how Veodia works here:
http://www.podtech.net/home/3404/broadcasting-live-with-veodia

One last sticking point was finding the correct URL compatible with Quicktime. Veodia tells you the http:// address for a browser but not the rtsp:// address used directly by Quicktime for streaming video. This can be found by opening the source code of the browser page and looking for "rtsp://" you only need the segment up to the portal code. A full set of instructions will be included in a new blog entry and copied into instructions in my flatscreen TV in SL.

ALG Learning Set 5 Meeting 2007-07-19

We managed to bring together 4 of the 5 original members of our group tonight at Gypsy Point on Terra Incognita. In attendance were:

• Majella Merlin,
• Cephas Innis
• Ryja Oh
• 2Ring Binder (chair)
• Decka Mah (observing)

We all introduced our project topics and implemented the Learning Set methodology of discussing obstacles and asking questions. We were unable to test audio and Speakeasy was a bit tricky for some of the members so we just used normal text chat. Consequently our meeting went for quite a long time (over 2 hours).

I'll add more detail about the meeting later, but here are some pics.


One thing I noticed in organising this meeting was how tricky it is getting even a small group together. Particularly so if some attendees are having technology issues and are unfamiliar with virtual presences like Second Life. What I thought would be a 45 minute meeting stretched to over 2 hours.

Some attendees expressed the feeling that the keyboard chat method in SL was perhaps no better than any normal Internet chat tool, so questioning the value of SL as a simple communication tool. The notion of the simulated realism in SL, and its worth
in activities like meeting or learning is an interesting one. My background in aviation simulation suggests that even the most rudimentary environ simulation can add a significant amount of perceived realism. That realism, although limited by the model implemented, does very much affect the value of learning activities such as role-play. For meetings in SL, certainly communication can be very effective without avatars being within site. In fact IM is often used to secretly communicate while within a group meeting. However even just sitting together can generate a feeling of belonging. I have noticed this myself when meeting with a new group of friends. The phenomenon of 'lurking' in an Internet chatroom is much less likely in a SL virtual meeting, with the group tending to invite quiet people to contribute. Being 'seen' is a significant factor in group dynamics and relationships.

The Speakeasy HUD for Second Life

Decka mentioned the Speakeasy HUD as a good tool for giving presentations. The idea is that you pre-programme lines of text which you can then initiate in text chat with a single keypress.

I set off to find this tool. First starting in the Resource Centre on Terra Incognita, then doing a general search within SL with no luck. Then a Google search threw up a couple of useful links: http://sledpicayune.blogspot.com and http://ictlibrary.googlepages.com/icttools_speakeasy
I finally found a SURL for the ICTLibrary here: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Info%20Island/51/206/34 and had a look around.

The ICT Library has lots of useful stuff and I'll certainly be back for more. The Speakeasy HUD can be found on the ground floor in the Freeware Centre (see picture). Click on the right arrow to scroll through to Item 17.


I'll add to this post when I've had a play with my new toy.

What is a Learning Set?

The following is an excerpt from Decka Mah. I think it's interesting to draw the distinction between making suggestions and asking questions borne by insight. As a teacher I often find myself relying on my adopted authority (established via the teacher/student relationship) as a way to give instructions and lead people to a learning outcome. This teacher-centric approach is often very efficient in the short-term and is consistent with the cultural expectations of most of my English language students - coming from Asia. However this approach falls down in the medium and long term contexts where a better approach is to instill a self-motivated learning pattern through inspired discovery. I'm still learning about implementing this kind of approach. As a male I find it difficult to stop myself giving suggestions to others when I see solutions to their challenges.

/// What is a Learning Set Meeting anyway?///

Reg Revans (the inventor of Action learning) described learning as a formula.
L=P+Q
Learning equals Programmed knowledge (stuff found in books, etc.) plus insightful Questioning. (what you ask about that P in your unique context)

To aid this process of reflection, he built into the Action Learning syle a social reflection process in the form a small group who would help each other learn by posing these insightful questions.

//// Make up ////
The Learning set is made up of 4 or more people who may be working on a shared project or on individual projects.

//// Process ////
Reg Revans (the inventor of Action learning) suggest you ask yourself…
* What are you doing?
* Why are you doing it?
* What will happen next?

* Each group member has some “air time” to describe what is happening and ask for help.
* A time keeper makes sure they stay within their allocation of time.
* A recorder takes note of questions asked and ideas given. (As it is hard to talk and take notes) The chat history in Second Life negates the need for this. So just copy and paste from the history into a notecard.

!!!Note!!!
Suggestion giving is to be avoided unless couched in the form of a question such as …Would xyz that worked for us in the past be of use in your context? Your past success worked because it was right for YOU in YOUR context. This does not necessarily transfer to someone else in a different context.

//// Purpose ////
To deepen the learning of the individual through social reflection and questioning.
To achieve this:
* Ask you colleagues for their help in areas you self identify.
* Ask questions when you see a blind spot as a colleague is presenting their project.
* Resist offering solutions, suggestions or silver bullets. Use questions instead.

􀀀

Remember you are trying to help them see below the surface of the obvious. So ask deep questions in a respectful manner.

A useful phrase when you want to confront a difficult topic that can soften what might be a confronting question…
“I want to be honest and tactful, but I don’t know how to be tactful.” (Thanks Bob Dick)

//// Preparation for the Learning Set Meeting in Second Life ////

1. Get to know your Learning Set Members

Prepare a notecard that tells your Learning Set Members a little about you and give it to them (drop it on their profile) prior to the meeting.
Include
Who you are;
What you do;
A little about your context as it relates to this program.
A metaphor/analogy for how you are feeling about Second Life right now.


2. Send the members of the group your Project Planning Tool form (pasted into a notecard).

3.Collect your Speakeasy HUD (heads up display) and prepare it in Second Life.
A separate notecard will be sent about this process. IM Lindy to get help if editing an object is new to you and the instructions leave you bamboozled. Or ask your colleagues who have been building.

4. Read the other group member’s introductions and use the Question Starters as a prompt to formulate some questions based on their Project Planning Tool. An important thing to remember, YOU are NOT in the Learning Set to SOLVE their problem. (Yes caps are for emphasis…it’s important). You job is to ask insightful questions that will help them decide the best way to move THEIR project forward in THEIR context.

5. Arrive for your Learning Set Meeting on time or even 5 minutes early so you can check in and get settled.

6. As you will be online and out of sight, it is tempting to multi-task or deal with real life during the meeting. Try and make appropriate arrangements so that you can give your colleagues your full attention.

Enjoy!! Learning is fun and rewarding. Please take a few minutes after the meeting to jot a few notes about the experience and post them off to me.

New Second Life Client and First Look Voice

The new version of the Second Life Client is now available (version 1.18.0.6) from the downloads section of the website here: http://secondlife.com/community/downloads.php I’ve found it more convenient to download the client from the website, save it to my hard-drive, and then install it from there rather than wait till I try and logon. Usually when I logon I’m in a hurry to go somewhere or do something inworld, so I don’t want to then wait for the download.

There is also a kind of trial client called Voice First Look Viewer (current version 1.18.0.125) downloadable from here: http://secondlife.com/community/firstlook.php This allows you to play with some cutting edge new features (like voice chat in this case). Again I downloaded it to my hard-drive and installed it (to a different directory from the normal client). You can run either client and change between them, although I haven’t tried running them simultaneously as I’m not sure if you should login to the game twice at the same time. If changing between clients you should first clear the cache (Menu Edit-Preferences-Clear Cache) before exitting one client and restarting the other.

I’d really like to play with Voice Chat within our group so if some of you could try the First LookViewer that would be great. However I’ve found Voice Chat, for example in Yahoo Chat, to be a little more daunting than keyboard text chatting because you seem to want to have witty things to say all the time. For learning and teaching the voice functionality will be very helpful I think, particularly if trying to teach English as I want to.

These are 32Mb downloads so allow about 10-15 minutes with reasonable speed broadband.

Another really interesting blog I’ve found useful is Natalia Zelmanov here: http://slnatalia.blogspot.com/ I think her appeal as a successful female avatar and businesswomen in Second Life would be very encouraging and inspiring to all newcomers. I bought a really nice dress for my lady’s avatar from Natalia, which went some way to make up for the time I’m spending online in Second Life (LOL)

Action Learning Group Set 5

Hi all in Action Learning Team 5,

I’m really looking forward to meeting you all. Although our group is called a Learning Set, I might inadvertently use the term ‘team’ at times to save keystrokes and because of my background habits. Let’s get together for our first meeting sooner rather than later.

In order to rapidly and efficiently communicate with each other I suggest that all messages from any member should be sent to the others by both email and Instant Message in Second Life. In fact if you IM in Second Life you generally get an email notification anyway but just to be sure let’s cover all bases, especially as some members may not be logging onto SL all that often (at first anyway). You can reply-to-all to this message if you like. I’ve listed our team members at the end of this message as well.

One of our first jobs can be to set up a Second Life Group for our own team. When we meet we can discuss a group name for us. This will make messaging a whole lot easier.

We could also have a discussion about project ideas, perhaps helping those of us who are still unsure what to do for their project.

Since our group appears to be available anytime I’ll suggest three possible date-times in the next few days. Tell me of any you definitely can’t make, and also the one you’d prefer to have.

Action Learning Set 5
Zilla Zond , Ryja Oh, Majella Merlin , 2ring Binder, Cephas Innes

First Meeting Options:

1. Thursday 12 July at 9:00-9:30pm Brisbane time (7:00-7:30pm New Zealand time)
2. Friday 13 July at 9:00-9:30pm Brisbane time (7:00-7:30pm New Zealand time)
3. Saturday 14 July at 9:00-9:30pm Brisbane time (7:00-7:30pm New Zealand time)

Regards,

Mike Smith
2ring Binder
Teacher
www.mjcsmith.net

Team list

bfrisk@xtra.co.nz; cjager@xtra.co.nz; albionm@usq.edu.au; mike@mjcsmith.net; albion@usq.edu.au
Zilla Zond Ryja Oh Majella Merlin 2ring Binder Cephas Innes
Brenda Frisk Chris Jager Majella Albion Mike Smith Peter Albion

Synching Animation Unsuccessful

Had a go at synchronising the animations of two pose scripts given to me by Craig. I needed another avatar to test them, so I looked up Pulaski Fizz. He was chatting with a couple of his friends and eventually we tested my creation. Unfortunately no luck. Possible causes include: using gestures instead of animations - fixed that but still no luck, and incorrect listing of linked items - not sure how to do that yet.

Bits and Bobs Animations

Decka suggested I go to Bits and Bobs to see the animations there. Bits and Bobs ( Main Store ), The Island (230, 110, 27). That was a good tip. I looked at the huge variety of animations which obvioulsy showed that these were setup by script animators in-the-know. I IM'd one Craig Altman and he generously gave me some poseball scripts which I'll now study. An encouraging development.

Pulaski Fizz

I'd been chasing Pulaski for some time. I think Decka recommended I got in touch with him as someone who could answer my animation questions. It took me weeks to finally be online at the same time as him. He's very much a gentleman, and a fine character, however unfortunately he thinks that he may not have the skills and knowledge I am looking for.
I want to teach beginner dance in SL. In RL I teach wedding couples for the bridal dance. These are generally very simple patterns, but the art is in putting the nervous couple at ease. To teach simple dance steps in SL I need to animate an avatar - preferably theirs - first individually and then as a couple. I can probably do the individual using Qanimator, but I don't know enough about synching for couples' dances. I've found pose balls that do this, but the scripts are as yet a mystery to me.
Pulaski subcontracted that work out to another person, so I'll try and chase them up. Meantime I'll keep working on the individual ones. I'd like to put the animations on this blog (via Youtube) but I've yet to try recording a SL session as a video file. That's another project.
Pulaski invited me to use his sim space to tinker. A very generous guy. And an excellent avatar as well.

Action Learning Group - Second Meeting

We all got together again last Wednesday 4 Jul 07 at the EduGallery on Terra Incognita. The pictures in the gallery represent notable places in SL that previous Action Learners have found. Our task this week is to seek these out for ideas and inspiration into our own projects.
I saw a picture of a library and mentioned I'd like to write and bind a book. Decka showed me a bookbinding machine and kindly gave me some money to see if I could purchase something similar. I think I will try to create my own animated books. The main issue I see is the expense of uploading image files for each page. Notecards are free but the book effect is lost, as with URLs to webpages. I'll give it some thought.
I volunteered to narrate and that was a bit of a challenge as I can't type very well. At one point I lost the plot a bit, so I apologise to those who were depending on me. Perhaps that's why one of my friendship offers got declined today.
I also asked Decka to examine why I couldn't get my Flatscreen TV to work. We couldn't figure it out, but I think it is a Parcel permissions issue. I look forward to buying some land and having some proper permissions.

Kip Yellowjacket and English Village

I'd been trying to catch up with Kip Yellowjacket whom Decka Mah recommended could help me with the ESL angle in SL. The timezone differences make this awkward, with Kip in Germany and myself in Australia. We finally got together last night and he was able to show me around English Village. There are some excellent tools for teachers there. I really liked the holodecks which offer selectable scenarios great for stimulating contextual roleplays. I just tried to retrace my steps there but got hopelessly lost. Then Redy9 came to my rescue. I need to contact the Fire Centaur to set up my own classroom. I also need to learn a bit more about how to use the toolsets available. I'm not sure about the costs yet.
I'm also buying land from Kip, who is selling a couple of plots in order to focus on English Village. Kip invited me to join two groups on Facebook:

• EFL/ESL in Second Life Team - a private group for teachers,
  

  SecondLifeEnglish@gmail.com
  

  http://www.secondlifeenglish.com
  

  
  
• Second Life English - a public group for ESL teachers and students
  

  SecondLifeEnglish@gmail.com
  http://www.SecondLifeEnglish.com
  

I'm relatively new to Facebook which is proving a much better proposition than Myspace and such.