Introduction: Introduction What is Second Life? Why acquire the virtual museum? Importance to our faculty and students?
The Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum: The Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum Shared digital content in Second Life Placita --Latino Music and Culture Dia De Los Muertos Yearly Event Spirits come visit Altars Virtual Celebration
The Problem: The Problem Perception of difficulty Learning curve is too high Content compatibility
Solution: Solution Merge the known and unknown Altars Music Lectures Games Art
Solution: Solution Make it FUN! Streaming video for dances Meso -American Ballgame Music streamed Music performed in Second Life Music performed live
Dr. Meredith Abarca – Mexican American Folklore: Dr. Meredith Abarca – Mexican American Folklore Students Learned Skills in Second Life 4 Classes to develop Created a “live” Altar Filmed ethnographies during festival Optional: Created Avatar and participated in Virtual Costume Contest.
Lisa Smith– Dance: Lisa Smith– Dance Dances related to Dia de Los Muertos Traditional Hip-hop Learned a dance from Avatars in Second Life
Eduardo Barrera - Communications: Eduardo Barrera - Communications Students Cultural Identity Through Avatars workshop with Howard University UTEP through avatar Dr. Barrera “dropped the skull” at the Meso -American ballgame
University 1301-Multiple Instructors: University 1301-Multiple Instructors Students altar building workshop with Smithsonian staff UTEP resources and archives in virtual worlds
Results: Results Dr. Abarca First fully online class this spring Student engagement significantly higher Building a virtual museum with graduate students Fall 2015
Results: Results Lisa Smith Teaching area elementary students dance steps through streaming video
Results: Results Media Interest Student Newspapers UTEP Newspapers Dr. Sherry Lewis Participated in world
Results: Results Future Plans Bring in Elementary Students Utilize Smithsonian Institution’s Lesson Plans Participation in other digital media Twitter Facebook Tumblr
Questions?: Questions? http :// latino.si.edu/education/LVMDayoftheDeadFestival.htm