We’re very excited to be trying out a new virtual worlds platform called Jibe, which has been created by the lovely people at Reaction Grid and is based on the Unity3D engine.  And one of the coolest thing about Jibe? … it’s browser based! ;)

For more info on Jibe and how it works check out the Reaction Grid website. You can also find info on the jokaydia Virtual Worlds Wiki, where we’ll be sharing our learnings!

You can even visit the Reaction Grid Jibe-STEM demo pictured above to do some exploring – check out: http://reactiongrid.com/Jibe/JibeSTEM.aspx.

For the next few months we will be experimenting and learning about this new tool…. so as long as you dont mind the construction zone, feel free to visit us at: http://jokaydia.metaverseworlds.com/jibe/.

Once we’ve learnt a bit more we’ll be looking for teacher’s to collaborate with us on a Virtual Classroom Project – so feel free to leave your ideas in the comment section below or email: joannamkay@gmail.com.

A note for those new to Unity based apps – you’ll need to download the Unity WebPlayer which is available here: http://unity3d.com/webplayer. I’m finding it works rather nicely in Mozilla Firefox! ;)

Seeya in the Jibey-Metaverse soon! ;)

Further notes, recordings and resources from the session are available in the event discussion forum @ http://www.flexiblelearning.net.au/content/exploring-metaverse-virtual-worlds-and-games-learning.

For those interested in Quest Atlantis:

• For information about upcoming teacher training in Quest Atlantis visit: http://atlantis.crlt.indiana.edu/site/pd_list
• For a course code or further information contact Dr Bronwyn Stuckey – email: bestucke@indiana.edu, twitter & skype: Bronst, Facebook:Bronwyn Stuckey

Special thanks to Jane McGonigal for her inspirational session at TEDTalks which inspired some of ideas for this presentation!

We have a huge week of activities planned on jokaydia this week – check out the details below!

jokaydia in Second Life: Dialogs with Uncle D -  A Story Quester’s Workshop

Following the success of our EduMeet visit to Story Quest a few weeks back, Marty and Jenaia from the The Virtual Worlds Story Project (TVWSP) have very kindly offered to provide us with two free and very exclusive workshops this week!

These sessions will allow us to further explore how Story Quests like ‘The Life and Times of Uncle D’ can be used to develop interactive, immersive, and educational experiences which allow participants to explore specific issues, ideas or themes; and to teach vital 21st century learning skills.

Workshop 1 will be held on Thursday 12th Nov @ 8pm Sydney Time / 1am SL Time. Workshop 2 will be held on Sunday 15th November @ 8pm Sydney Time / 1am SL Time.

To take part, check out the details on the Storyquest Workshops Signup page. You will need to add your name to the table provided. We are limiting these special sessions to 10 participants only per workshop, so add your name now!

jokaydia@ReactionGrid: MeetUp with the ReactionGrid Team

On Sunday evening as part of our regular Sunday EduMeets, we’ll  have the pleasure of meeting up with Kyle G aka @Dr_Manhattan for an update, catchup and discussion session about all things ReactionGrid and the team’s plans for the platform. This is your chance to get all the goss and find out more about the options available.

To help facilitate this session, I’ve added a ReactionGrid Questions Page to our wiki here. You can use this to add topics or specific questions you’d like Kyle to address.  Go on – add your burning questions now!! ;)

ReactionGrid Q&A Event Details:

• Date: 15 November 2009
• Time: 9:30pm AEST / 1o:30am GMT / 2:30am SLT
• Check your local time here!
• Location: jokaydia Sim on ReactionGrid. (Instructions and ReactionGrid signup here!)

jokaydia EduMeet at ReactionGrid Tonight!

Event Details:

• Date: Sunday 25 October 2009
• Location: jokaydia @ ReactionGrid
• Time: 9pm AEST / 10am GMT /3am SLT
• Check your local time here!

For information on how to join us on ReactionGrid click here.

So its been a huge week or exploring and learning for us over at jokaydia@ReactionGrid, and I must say Im kinda exhausted, but  nonethless inspired!! ;) So far we’ve seen a huge number of the jokaydians come to visit, and some have even got their own sims already.  The Australian invasion seems to be well and truly on, and I’m really glad to be a part new adventures.

As you can see from the image above, I’ve started the process of building out the new space, and will mimic some of the resources we have on jokaydia in Second Life, as well as a whole new collection of stuff to check as we start to get established. To get the ball rolling, I’ve imported some of the jokaydia Landing Point tools and furniture, and am modding it to suit the new space. Next up… newbie garden stuff!

Weekly EduMeets Officially Start This Week!

We’ve decided to start having a regular weekly EduMeet@jokaydia. These will alternate between our space on the Islands of jokaydia in Second Life and our space on the ReactionGrid, and are designed to provide a regular time for informal chats, adventures, sharing and playing. Come along – we’d love to see you in either grid! ;)

The first official EduMeet@jokaydia will happen this coming Sunday 11 October on ReactionGrid and will focus on playing and planning. We’ll take a little trip to explore the ReactionGrid neighbourhood, and also discuss some of the projects we’ve been brainstorming. Kyle G also tells me there’s a way cool Skype tool in ReactionGrid which we need to check out!

We also want to hear from you!? Have you got a burning idea, a resource suggestion, other feedback? Come along and share your thoughts!

Event Details: First Official EduMeet@jokaydia – 11 October 2009

• Location: jokaydia@ReactionGrid
• How To: Simply signup and join us on the jokaydia Sim on the ReactionGrid. You can find the signup page here, and information on how to login here. To locate the jokaydia sim use the map to search, or contact jokay Wollongong if you need a TP!
• Time: 9pm AEST / 10am GMT /3am  SLT
• Check your local time here!

Please feel free to email jokay Wollongong for further details and any of our events and proejcts, and keep your eye out for the 2nd EduMeet@jokaydia on the Islands of jokaydia in Second Life on 18 October.

Seeya in one of our worlds soon!