Open Sim on a Flash Drive

[Dean Groom]

For those who've been following the development of Open Simulator, then I might suggest a powerful use for it in your classroom by students.

In brief, OS runs a 'grid' much like the SL grid. But, you can also create your own 'grid' or islands in their own right. OS does not have all the bells and whistles of SL, but has some things that SL does not too - it is Open Source so like most projects of that ilk where there is a demand, it is growing fast.

OS simply boots under the usual SL client - though there are also other 'clients'. So for students, OS is a great way to learn some of the basics, and I think has a number of classroom benefits.

1. OS will run nicely off a 2 gig flash drive - this is 1 gig for the grid, servers etc., and 1 gig for assets (inventory)
2. You don't need $Ls to upload textures etc., - OS has no tier fees at all
3. The interface is SL, so students moving onto a larger OS Grid, Skoolaborate, Rampo type environment will have prior-knowledge of the gui
4. It does not drag bandwidth - Students dislike SL at home for the big reason, that it uses bandwidth. If they are on a limited plan or sharing the connection in the household, then they often make a choice about the best use of bandwidth. Listening to music, downloading etc., seems to take preference. OS on a flash drive has none of this overhead.
5. Any age can use it - as it's just an application on your machine - there is no need to worry about being 13!
6. LAN connection - you can run the server on one machine, and get other kids in the classroom to connect to it using a cheap LAN Switch, so its fairly easy to get kids in a class to collaborate on a project.
7. The teacher can set up the 'core' environment - add key buildings, spaces, resources etc., then use this image as the base for the classwork.
8. No port/firewall issues to contend with
9. One island or many - OSGrid allows you set the size based on need
10. You can include the OSImage with a Unit of Work - so the 'grid' becomes a 'resource' in the classroom project.

In the AU/VET/D&T Key Learning Areas, there are many many opportunities for Open Sim on a Flash Drive. What I would love to see happen, is for educators to develop 'base' builds in association with a specific unit of work. Then share that image and the work online for others to use or develop further.

I think it's fair to say that getting SL into the classroom on any scale is a challenge from an infrastructure and logistic point of view. However, running OS on a flash drive (or on a LAN server) is a real option to get the idea of using 3D spaces (as third spaces) as a realistic technology for teachers with very little effort.

The set-up hassles.

At NECC, I gave a few people a copy of the flash drive OS, and demonstrated it a little. Most people didn't realise it wasn't SL. I had a single user build. However, it is pretty simple to create a class build. Each student would use the same 'build', but have their own log-in. I would suggest that having a generic set of avatar names would be less hassle that using actual student names on a case by case basis.

Multiple 'islands'

You could have multiple Islands, but your grid would need to be modded to do this

Inventory

Second Inventory allows you to port full permisssion prims and textures from SL to OS if you have the multi-avatar version. You would need to port your inventory over to the OSFlashDriveGrid to do this.

Next Steps

If you are interested in taking this further, then please post a comment and let us know what you are thinking. I am happy to consider making up 'custom builds', and I'm sure there are others out there that would too. BUT, rather than every man and his dog saying 'sure, I'll have one', then in the spirit of sharing and collaboration, please consider developing some task or project that you would use it for first and share that.

If you have any questions, please let me know!

Dean

[Richard Hallock]

I am wondering if you base build contains any specific scripts I would be very interested indeded in getting a copy of those. Getting scripting to work on OS seems to be challenging for me. At what point will the simple database on the flash drive become corrupted? How many objects, or textures can the database handle? I set up my classroom server with MySQL as the database and I am thinking it will be more stable, but the USB version would be great for practice and learning. I also attempted using the Meerkat browser (which allows you to do a backup of something you make in SL and place it on your OS system if you have full permissions) to transfer a build from a student USB drive to the small server in the classroom. It seeemed to work very well and even included textures. I also have a ton of questions about the limitations of the server based model. What sort of machines are people using for thier OS servers? Does the software understand dual or quad core processors? How much ram do you need and does it have that much of an effect on usability. How many students can you connect to one server at once? How many can build at the same time?

[Jeff Agamenoni]

could you skype it to me too? In my computer club...I plan to do some of the same types of things Angela talks about...basic building...and navigation type SL or TSL skills...

[Dean Groom]

sure Angela. Learning the interface, learning basic building etc., in your own space - where somone else is not going to rez stuff all over you - Flash Drive version is ideal. I can Skype you the .zip file.

[AngelaC]

Hey Jeff, if questers have had quests accepted or have done a job, they will have earnt the cols to enable them to rent. It is a powerful motivator :-)

[AngelaC]

Hi Dean, I am looking to use open sim as an induction experience for a group of secondary students to learn the norms of working in a virtual world, and start building, with a view to then participating in a TSL program. Do you think this is a valid way to proceed?

[Fiona Banjer]

Hi Dean
23.
Fiona

[Jeff Agamenoni]

oops...QA for building purposes...actually...I think I may have answered my own question...sorry...You need to have raised money to rent land in QA...

[Jeff Agamenoni]

Hey Dean,

My idea is to utilize a grid for students in my computer club to begin learning how to build in a Second Life type environment. I would have them design what they believe an ideal classroom would look like. Or possibly an ideal home and then share that home with others in the club. I may have them collaborate with one another on their builds.

A concern I have is that I plan on using QA with my club as well. Do you think it might be best to pick one of these tools and focus on it...or do you believe it is a good idea to explore as many of them as is possible. I think my plan will be to focus on one each term or month...what do you think?

Jeff

[Dean Groom]

yes Fiona. I'd need to create some 'usernames', so you'd have one 'sim' with a number of 'accounts' on the database. The kids all use the same Flash Drive, but would have separate avatars and inventory. How many kids?

[Fiona Banjer]

Hi Dean
I'd like to have a go at developing an area! I saw your tweet this afternoon (20/7/08) Is it suitable to use in a primary school environment? If not I would still like to trial it perhaps developing something around a recycling theme which is our current focus.
Thanks.
Fiona (mrs_banjer on Twitter)