Level/category

Extension studies

Teaching language

English

Type of course

Free Elective

Recommended year of study

3

Total number of ECTS

5 cr

Competency aims

The aim of the course is to maintain and extend the
infrastructure of Marinetta Ombro, Arcada's virtual island in
Second Life, in such a way that the project can move into its
next phase.

During this year the island of Rosario will become self-
sufficient. This will require
- attracting Second Life users to Rosario;
- finding sponsors for events or spaces;
- forming partnerships with (real) businesses;
- developing a programme of activities that will facilitate the
above.

We will also lay the groundwork for next year's project, which
will be concerned with the introduction of narrative into Rosario.

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student is expected to be able to:

1. plan the development of a virtual world;
2. devise events and incentives to attract and retain users;
3. research potential users and find ways to market Rosario to
them in terms that they understand;
4. develop strategies for incorporating aspects of the world into
multi-platform entertainments.

Course contents

Participants will form teams, and assume responsibilities for
aspects of the maintenance and development of the island of
Rosario.

Teams will also develop content (graphical and programed) to be
used on the island.

In the second part of the course students will be invited to join
an in-world design company that will provide professional
services to other residents of Second Life.

Prerequisites and co-requisites

Students should be familiar with interactive social web sites, such
as Facebook, Flickr, or MySpace. Students should also have some
knowledge of, and interest in, virtual online spaces or games, such
as Habbo Hotel, Second Life, World of Warcraft, and others.

Previous course names

None

Additional information

The course is project based. The precise nature of the projects, and
the deadlines applied to them, will be decided during the first three
sessions.

Recommended or required reading

An up-to-date reading list will be provided during the first
session, and made available online.

Study activities

  • Lectures - 20 hours
  • Exercise based learning - 20 hours
  • Laboratory lessons and tasks in a simulated environment - 5 hours
  • Tuition managed by students but supervised by the teacher - 15 hours
  • Project work and productions - 50 hours
  • Individual studies - 15 hours
  • Web-based and web-supported studies - 25 hours

Workload

  • Total workload of the course: 150 hours
  • Of which autonomous studies: 90 hours
  • Of which scheduled studies: 60 hours

Mode of Delivery

Multiform education

Assessment methods

  • Demonstrations and presentations
  • Reports and productions

Examiner

Kelly Owen

Home page of the course

AirSet

Group size

No limit

Course completion date

Date for course completion will be announced later

Assignments valid until

Until further notice

Assessment methods

  • Date will be announced later - Demonstrations and presentations
  • Date will be announced later - Reports and productions

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