Contents:
Happy snappers
Happy Birthday to yOU
A slice of OLiVe
Meet the resident
Through the keyhole
View from the allotments
Focus on
Out and about
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
A slice of OLiVe
A mini OLiVe appears at the land expo.
The Open University was recently asked by Linden Labs to participate in their first ever Land Expo which took place in Second life from Tuesday June 9th to Saturday June 13th. The purpose of the expo was to “share best practices, compare land development offerings, and encourage the exploration of innovative uses of land”. Linden felt that the OU’s innovative use of land in education would make an ideal showcase at the expo.
The OU was assigned a parcel on one of the land expo sims and it was decided to recreate the character of Open Life Village on the parcel. OLiVe residents Elsbeth Biedermann, Jadis Mai and myself (Eshala Tabacznyk) decorated the colourful houses and Leornian Naidoo created an allotment to give visitors a taste of life on OLiVe. Decorating proved an interesting task due to the amount of lag on the sim. On one occasion one side of the house did not rezz at all leaving me wondering if I had accidentally deleted a wall and would have to face the wrath of the management!
An information area was also set up on the parcel giving details of the history of the OU’s presence in Second Life and information on the numerous study and research opportunities with the OU.
As well as recreating OLiVe for the expo the OU was asked to make a presentation inworld. Kickaha Wolfenhaut was charged with this task and made a presentation about the largely spontaneous emergence of the OU social learning community and how the project team observed this emergence and then adapted plans to incorporate the best possible support for these students and faculty members.
The Open University was recently asked by Linden Labs to participate in their first ever Land Expo which took place in Second life from Tuesday June 9th to Saturday June 13th. The purpose of the expo was to “share best practices, compare land development offerings, and encourage the exploration of innovative uses of land”. Linden felt that the OU’s innovative use of land in education would make an ideal showcase at the expo.
The OU was assigned a parcel on one of the land expo sims and it was decided to recreate the character of Open Life Village on the parcel. OLiVe residents Elsbeth Biedermann, Jadis Mai and myself (Eshala Tabacznyk) decorated the colourful houses and Leornian Naidoo created an allotment to give visitors a taste of life on OLiVe. Decorating proved an interesting task due to the amount of lag on the sim. On one occasion one side of the house did not rezz at all leaving me wondering if I had accidentally deleted a wall and would have to face the wrath of the management!
An information area was also set up on the parcel giving details of the history of the OU’s presence in Second Life and information on the numerous study and research opportunities with the OU.
As well as recreating OLiVe for the expo the OU was asked to make a presentation inworld. Kickaha Wolfenhaut was charged with this task and made a presentation about the largely spontaneous emergence of the OU social learning community and how the project team observed this emergence and then adapted plans to incorporate the best possible support for these students and faculty members.
Happy Birthday to yOU
Party time on OLiVe to celebrate the Open University’s 40th birthday.
27th June saw every students favourite occurrence - a party!!
To coincide with the celebrations taking place at Walton Hall throughout the day, a party was held on OLiVe village green on Saturday night. Regular OU party DJ Quentin Calvert provided music from 1969-2009 and partygoers were invited to dress in costume from the 60’s, 70’s 80’s and 90’s to go with the spirit of the party.
The dance floor's dazzling colours lit up the island and no-one could surely complain about being unable to hear the music given the size of the speakers on display! The wide range of music provided something for everyone's tastes and no party would have been complete without our anthem “Crazy Nights” getting at least one airing. As the night went on students and tutors alike showed off their dancing skills with everything from complicated club routines to basic ‘wiggle-from-side-to-side’ movements on show. Glow sticks, sparklers, refreshments (alcoholic mainly) and dubious sweets were passed around among revellers throughout the night.
A funfair was laid on for partygoers to take a break from the dancing if they couldn’t stand the pace. The dodgems provided some ‘interesting’ displays of driving skills as people piled into the cars to wreak havoc. One particular tutor who shall not be named (you know who you are!) managed to send his dodgem flying out of the dodgem arena and proceeded to zoom round the island in it much to the bemusement of onlookers. Those looking for a more sedate ride had a choice of the giant Ferris wheel or the merry-go-round. The Ferris wheel allowed for some great views of the village with the party in full swing.
Snapshots of the evenings events were broadcast on a giant photo board throughout the night giving late-comers a chance to see what they had missed.
At the end of the evening a spectacular fireworks display took place illuminating the dark Open Life skies.
27th June saw every students favourite occurrence - a party!!
To coincide with the celebrations taking place at Walton Hall throughout the day, a party was held on OLiVe village green on Saturday night. Regular OU party DJ Quentin Calvert provided music from 1969-2009 and partygoers were invited to dress in costume from the 60’s, 70’s 80’s and 90’s to go with the spirit of the party.
The dance floor's dazzling colours lit up the island and no-one could surely complain about being unable to hear the music given the size of the speakers on display! The wide range of music provided something for everyone's tastes and no party would have been complete without our anthem “Crazy Nights” getting at least one airing. As the night went on students and tutors alike showed off their dancing skills with everything from complicated club routines to basic ‘wiggle-from-side-to-side’ movements on show. Glow sticks, sparklers, refreshments (alcoholic mainly) and dubious sweets were passed around among revellers throughout the night.
A funfair was laid on for partygoers to take a break from the dancing if they couldn’t stand the pace. The dodgems provided some ‘interesting’ displays of driving skills as people piled into the cars to wreak havoc. One particular tutor who shall not be named (you know who you are!) managed to send his dodgem flying out of the dodgem arena and proceeded to zoom round the island in it much to the bemusement of onlookers. Those looking for a more sedate ride had a choice of the giant Ferris wheel or the merry-go-round. The Ferris wheel allowed for some great views of the village with the party in full swing.
Snapshots of the evenings events were broadcast on a giant photo board throughout the night giving late-comers a chance to see what they had missed.
At the end of the evening a spectacular fireworks display took place illuminating the dark Open Life skies.
Happy snappers
Elsbeth Biedermann tells us about Open Minds first ever exhibition.
22nd May saw the opening of the very first exhibition in Open Minds. With OLiVe only a matter of weeks old (from official opening), I thought what better way than to celebrate it by having OLiVers submit their own snapshots of the island.
So, with the project officially approved by Elsa and Kickaha, I went off to rally up the troops and to gather submissions.
Seeing OLiVe from others’ perspectives was always going to be interesting, and it really lived up to expectation – everything from the beautiful to the absurd was submitted, and a dash of cuteness to top it all off. Photos of the scenery around the island were absolutely wonderful, while an oversized dragon DeeDee in her house with her tail poking out the side wall was among some of the photos that provided the light relief.
I would like to thank Elsa Dickens, Kickaha Wolfenhaut, Commander Quandry, Eshala Tabacznyk, Kira Gilgandra, Arthur Arkwright and Paprika Pevensey for submitting snapshots to this exhibition, and a special thanks to Kickaha for all his behind-the-scenes help. Without you all this would not have been possible.
22nd May saw the opening of the very first exhibition in Open Minds. With OLiVe only a matter of weeks old (from official opening), I thought what better way than to celebrate it by having OLiVers submit their own snapshots of the island.
So, with the project officially approved by Elsa and Kickaha, I went off to rally up the troops and to gather submissions.
Seeing OLiVe from others’ perspectives was always going to be interesting, and it really lived up to expectation – everything from the beautiful to the absurd was submitted, and a dash of cuteness to top it all off. Photos of the scenery around the island were absolutely wonderful, while an oversized dragon DeeDee in her house with her tail poking out the side wall was among some of the photos that provided the light relief.
I would like to thank Elsa Dickens, Kickaha Wolfenhaut, Commander Quandry, Eshala Tabacznyk, Kira Gilgandra, Arthur Arkwright and Paprika Pevensey for submitting snapshots to this exhibition, and a special thanks to Kickaha for all his behind-the-scenes help. Without you all this would not have been possible.
Out and about
Once again a brave bunch of students and tutors headed off into the big wide world of Second Life for a trip organised by Martin Pattle.
Focus on...
Second in our regular series of articles each focusing on one of the Open Life islands landmarks is...
The Open Arms has rapidly become a focal point for residents and visitors alike. LOL! editor Eshala selflessly volunteered to spend an afternoon in the pub to check out it’s features.
The pub is situated in the heart of Open Life Village, looking out over the village green, making it an ideal meeting point for the locals. The grounds of the pub are bordered by a gleaming white low wall and numerous pretty flowers, plants and shrubs. In the grounds themselves stands a flowing fountain to the right of the pub, while at the front there are several tables and chairs for thirsty residents to sit at and enjoy the views across the island. The sounds of birds tweeting in the background makes it a relaxing and atmospheric place to be.
The interior of the Open Arms is cosy and welcoming. A roaring log fire on the right-hand side provides welcome warmth on cold, dark, nights while comfy chairs and sofas make it the perfect place to sit back and catch up with friends over a drink or three. Above the mantelpiece is a bookcase though no-one has managed to persuade it to hand over so much as a Mr. Men book as yet. The bar is tantalisingly well-stocked with an array of wines and spirits on show. Sadly there are no barmen/barmaids awaiting your order as it’s self-service but beer, orange juice and espresso are all available.
Adorning the walls are pictures of OU parties, gatherings and general silliness that have taken place over the months on the OU islands. Food can be found in the form of a plate full of sandwiches - bacon, dried tomato or my own favourite, salmon. Surprisingly the sandwiches seem perfectly edible even after being sat on the table uncovered for a considerable length of time now. For that special occasion a magnum of champagne sits on one of the tables ready to be uncorked.
Most nights some of the locals can be found putting the world to rights in the beer garden so do pop along and say hello!
The pub is situated in the heart of Open Life Village, looking out over the village green, making it an ideal meeting point for the locals. The grounds of the pub are bordered by a gleaming white low wall and numerous pretty flowers, plants and shrubs. In the grounds themselves stands a flowing fountain to the right of the pub, while at the front there are several tables and chairs for thirsty residents to sit at and enjoy the views across the island. The sounds of birds tweeting in the background makes it a relaxing and atmospheric place to be.
The interior of the Open Arms is cosy and welcoming. A roaring log fire on the right-hand side provides welcome warmth on cold, dark, nights while comfy chairs and sofas make it the perfect place to sit back and catch up with friends over a drink or three. Above the mantelpiece is a bookcase though no-one has managed to persuade it to hand over so much as a Mr. Men book as yet. The bar is tantalisingly well-stocked with an array of wines and spirits on show. Sadly there are no barmen/barmaids awaiting your order as it’s self-service but beer, orange juice and espresso are all available.
Adorning the walls are pictures of OU parties, gatherings and general silliness that have taken place over the months on the OU islands. Food can be found in the form of a plate full of sandwiches - bacon, dried tomato or my own favourite, salmon. Surprisingly the sandwiches seem perfectly edible even after being sat on the table uncovered for a considerable length of time now. For that special occasion a magnum of champagne sits on one of the tables ready to be uncorked.
Most nights some of the locals can be found putting the world to rights in the beer garden so do pop along and say hello!
View from the allotments
Open Life regular Leornian Naidoo gives us her thoughts on life down on the allotments.
Sandcastles and Seagulls By Leornian Naidoo
The date is 17th June 2009, and I am back enjoying my ‘OLiVe Gardens’ allotment during my coffee break. It’s a soothing pastime. The seagulls are calling and the breeze is gently blowing at the Dogwood trees, making them sway in a most inviting way.
The view from the arbour is inspiring to say the least and today its reminding me that I wanted to enhance my experience here in OLiVe by complementing the surroundings with some Botanical back up from ‘RL’.
The idea is to use a photo from a plant in my garden to make a virtual copy that will be in my allotment at the OLiVe gardens. The question is – how? I am counting on assistance from some talented residents at OLiVe. As you can see here at OLIVe, the transfer of knowledge continues although this Island is basically to serve the social and recreational needs of its residents, it also serves to inspire us to original thinking and to sharing with others. It’s a basic give and take that builds the basis for the concept of lifelong learning and the transfer of knowledge.
At OLiVe we are building more than just sandcastles in the air, we are building a community. Check back soon to hear about the beautiful Kohlrabi in the ‘Tale of Textures’ or ‘How to make a virtual Vegetable’.
Sandcastles and Seagulls By Leornian Naidoo
The date is 17th June 2009, and I am back enjoying my ‘OLiVe Gardens’ allotment during my coffee break. It’s a soothing pastime. The seagulls are calling and the breeze is gently blowing at the Dogwood trees, making them sway in a most inviting way.
The view from the arbour is inspiring to say the least and today its reminding me that I wanted to enhance my experience here in OLiVe by complementing the surroundings with some Botanical back up from ‘RL’.
The idea is to use a photo from a plant in my garden to make a virtual copy that will be in my allotment at the OLiVe gardens. The question is – how? I am counting on assistance from some talented residents at OLiVe. As you can see here at OLIVe, the transfer of knowledge continues although this Island is basically to serve the social and recreational needs of its residents, it also serves to inspire us to original thinking and to sharing with others. It’s a basic give and take that builds the basis for the concept of lifelong learning and the transfer of knowledge.
At OLiVe we are building more than just sandcastles in the air, we are building a community. Check back soon to hear about the beautiful Kohlrabi in the ‘Tale of Textures’ or ‘How to make a virtual Vegetable’.
Through the keyhole
LOL! was given exclusive access to the home of one of the residents of Open Life Village.
Here, Hennamono Morpork gives us the lowdown on 1 Walton Bank.
The Comfy Chairs
“Oh no – not the comfy chair!” On entering the house the first thing you will encounter are a collection of comfy chairs and bean bags (“not the soft cushions!”). One of the reasons for having a place of ones own, I think, is to have a place to gather with close friends for a bit of a chat. So this area is set up just for that. Of course, one of the “chairs” is in fact a cat basket – that’s for me!
The Altar
Moving upstairs we come to a Buddhist meditation chamber, complete with bell and incense. I know a lot of people set up a bedroom but I don’t sleep in SL so don’t see the point (besides I do have my kitty basket downstairs!). When times are quiet I will come here to meditate however.
Teleport System
I did have a problem with the teleports in my house – every time I tried to go downstairs I ended up underground instead! However this problem was solved by fitting another relic of my old tower. I think they look better than the defaults too!
Pictures of My Sky Box
Before moving in here my home was a skybox in Jadawin. I decided it didn’t make sense having two homes so I let the skybox go. I had good times there though so it is immortalised though in the pictures that decorate the walls. In fact most of the furnishings that are to be found in the house will be recognisable to those who visited my tower.
Here, Hennamono Morpork gives us the lowdown on 1 Walton Bank.
The Comfy Chairs
“Oh no – not the comfy chair!” On entering the house the first thing you will encounter are a collection of comfy chairs and bean bags (“not the soft cushions!”). One of the reasons for having a place of ones own, I think, is to have a place to gather with close friends for a bit of a chat. So this area is set up just for that. Of course, one of the “chairs” is in fact a cat basket – that’s for me!
The Altar
Moving upstairs we come to a Buddhist meditation chamber, complete with bell and incense. I know a lot of people set up a bedroom but I don’t sleep in SL so don’t see the point (besides I do have my kitty basket downstairs!). When times are quiet I will come here to meditate however.
Teleport System
I did have a problem with the teleports in my house – every time I tried to go downstairs I ended up underground instead! However this problem was solved by fitting another relic of my old tower. I think they look better than the defaults too!
Pictures of My Sky Box
Before moving in here my home was a skybox in Jadawin. I decided it didn’t make sense having two homes so I let the skybox go. I had good times there though so it is immortalised though in the pictures that decorate the walls. In fact most of the furnishings that are to be found in the house will be recognisable to those who visited my tower.
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