Update (8/29/08)

Greetings.

Just wanted to give a quick update and explanation for my absence. I’ve had to work a bit of overtime lately. School also started back up for the semester. I do both full time, which doesn’t leave me a lot of time for other things. On top of that I just put together a new computer and have been getting everything installed and configured and working out all of the inevitable bugs. As a result, I haven’t even been in SL in the past couple of weeks except one time for a couple of minutes just to make sure it would agree with my video card.

Rest assured, however, that I have no intentions of fading this blog, and I have been thinking about a few topics I’d like to discuss, some I’d like to do more research into before I open my uninformed mouth about them, and I’ve put some thought into the responses I’ve gotten to posts and I’d like to continue discussion of those.

So, now it’s just a matter of finding the time to actually type up what I’ve been thinking and hopefully I will be able to once I get my feet under me with the new classes. Until then, take care, and thanks for checking out the blog and taking part in the discussions.

Australian Mining Simulator

I recently came across a press release from the University of Adelaide in Australia titled “Virtual world is safest for miners.” In cooperation with the University of New South Wales, they are working on creating a simulation that allows miners to train for dangerous work using what they refer to as virtual reality and gaming technology. The usefulness of doing this kind of training seems pretty obvious.

I’ve gone back to school and I’m studying computer science. Since I’ve always been interested in virtual reality, it occurred to me that I would like to do my undergrad and graduate research in virtual worlds like Second Life. One of the first things that occurred to me was the possibilities virtual worlds hold for doing different kinds of simulation and training. One idea that came to mind was the ability to train firefighters in a virtual world. You could perhaps have your crew logged in to SL, all equipped with voice, and they could move their avatars around to put out a simulated fire. It’s interesting to think you could test the firefighters by throwing unexpected situations at them to see how they react. Maybe during the fire you have a floor suddenly and unexpectedly collapse and test how well they are able to cope with the situation. This sort of thing would be ideal for training NCOs and officers in the military to lead troops in different situations.

Apologies.

Kinda sad when you don’t even frequent your own blog, eh? But I’ve had to work some overtime the past few days and just haven’t had much time for blogging or SLing.

But, never fear. I do have plenty I’d like to discuss. Or maybe you should fear, now… But, then, why would you be here if you were sick of reading my rambling (…you masochistic bastard)? I think I need sleep.

Impossible!

Chances are you are probably already aware of this blog, but I recently found it and it’s just the sort of thing that interests me. The name of it is Not Possible In Real Life and it’s dedicated to things in the metaverse that simply, well, aren’t possible in real life. I’ll probably be checking it out for things to talk about on this blog from time to time. It’s run by Bettina Tizzy who is listed on the SL wiki as an uberexplorer, so she sees a lot.

Oh, and our pal Crap Mariner was even written up on the blog recently for some sort of video related madness.

More senseless destruction?

Or just good, clean fun?

Mad Clockwork Destroys Controversial Landmark

Virtual Architecture

Does anyone know of a good rl architect working in Second Life? Or maybe an architecturally trained builder? Are there any schools doing architectural training on the grid? I’ve heard the idea suggested a few times that SL would be great for training architecture students, so I’m wondering if any of that is going on. But I’m even more interested in finding out if anyone is somewhat seriously studying the concept of designing buildings specifically for avatars in a virtual worlds.

I know in the real world architects have studied and explored how to make living and working spaces that are more efficient and pleasing for meat based life forms like us to spend our time in. I’m sure they study things like what’s the best size for a bedroom or bathroom or kitchen. I’m sure there are numerous reasons why you don’t typically find living spaces over garages. Bathrooms are usually pretty similar. There are good reasons to have certain window sizes on certain sides of the house. Some people prefer a big open living room, even at the expense of less second floor space. There are a lot of design decisions that go into making homes and buildings that people want to be in.