DAI 627 Zhen X. Tan

Tech Virtual - Poster Board

2009-05-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

Here is the outside view of the Tech Virtual Exhibit, and this is my poster board....hehe (^_^)

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Tech%202/201/135/33/?img=http%3A//thetechvirtual.org/techlogo.png&title=The%20Tech%20Virtual&msg=The%20Tech%202

7th Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-05-07T19:20:00.001-07:00

The Trading Game by Chris, Steve, Laura, Brandon. This experiment is to create an unique avatar by using different clothes providing by the host or trading with different avatar. As a result, I actually won second place for being the most creative/weird avatar....haha...lol (^_^)

PingWu's Crazy Marshal Arts Experiment by DeLonzo. In this experiment, I get to learn how to do some marshal arts with punching and kicking. I am using my piggy avatar to against all those muscular avatar...but since I am tiny and short, I take advantage for defensing...overall, it's a really funny experiment.

6th Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-05-05T17:45:00.001-07:00

Today is my group's turn to do our experiment in SL. Virtual tourism: Not Your Mother's Tour ~ Alisa, Zhen, Micah, Iwen, Jade. We guided the class to get the free translator in SL so that they can interact with other people, who speck other than English. Also, bring them to some interesting place to explore, such as the Great Wall of China, Sistent Chapel, etc. Overall, the result came out pretty good to our initialy plan.

After our group, Jose & Tara has their expreiment: Battle of the Appliances. We suppose to meet in a place and create an answer to the trivia questions that will be asked. It was interesting seeing how people response.

Final Experiment in SL

2009-05-03T17:06:00.000-07:00

Tittle: Not your mother's tourism.

Experiment Scenario: Prepare for your trip by seeing your destination virtually, learning about language and cultural matters, and exploring sustainable travel through recycling.

SL Location:
1) Translator place at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spike/26/198/621/
2) China Town: http://s lurl.com/secondlife/China%20Town/163/47/29
3) The Great Wall: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Mao/241/131/24
4) Sistine Chapel: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vassar/128/128/26

Roles: Recorders, question askers, tourists (see list bellow)

Recorders: Record the virtual trip using screen shots and sound and video recording if possible.

Question Askers: Follow tour group and ask one or two specific questions about culture, art, architecture, or language pertaining to the locations visited.

Questions to Learn:
- What time is it
- Good morning
- How are you
- Where is the bathroom
- How much does this cost
- Do you have vegan/vegetarian food
- I'm lost, where is the nearest embassy

Things to learn to say
- (some form of slang such as)
- Cool
- Awesome
- (informal) hello
- (informal) goodbye
- Which way to the bar

Tourist: Follow tour group, and think about if you would like to visit this place in the real world and how the virtual trip influenced your decision.

Role Assignments:

Question askers for each group:
1 Colleen
2 Danny Pan
3 Jose Ramirez
4 Laura

Groups:
1 Grant, Chris, James (recorder)
2 Josh, Karen, Xiaomin (recorder)
3 Ed, Tara, Kim (recorder)
4 Stephen, Zachary, Brandon (recorder)

Assets Provided:
Translator found at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Spike/26/198/621/

Participant Preparation:
Download translator, think about any concerns you have regarding foreign travel.

Production plan:
We will be taking participants to existing areas in Second Life and leading virtual tours. As such we will not be designing most of the in-world materials, but will instead focus on the user interaction, and how best to guide a tour group through virtual China Town, Museum, etc. We will leverage existing materials to explore cultural, language, and sustainability issues in Second Life.

5th Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-04-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

Machinima Studio by Xiaomin. This experiment requires participants to download a video capture recorder for SL. Afterward, we're assign into different group or individual to find certain object in different place, and record the whole process of it.

Virtual World Racing by Karen. I think this experiment is cool too. It's unlike typical racing kart, because you can get funny fruits car. I am assigned to be the apple team. We have to go 5 labs, and it's tough to control.....but overall, I enjoy it.

4th Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-04-28T10:56:00.000-07:00

Flying Event by Zachary. This experiment is cool too. First, you have to find the purple ball and get the script. Then you can apply it to any object that you want it to be fly. So I use my big crab as my flying object experiment. And it fly....! but it's very hard to control and I still haven't learn how to land. Anyway, I enjoy the experiment.

3rd Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-04-23T10:57:00.001-07:00

Alternate Reality Game by James, Kimberly, and Zachary. We divided into group and suppose to find a baseball in the real world. Overall, I think it's okay except there are not too much instruction.

Meteor Slams Dorms by Beth and Josh. I think this is the coolest experiment so far. It has so many interesting scenes to explore and see. And you can see how different react in crisis like this. Overall, I will give this a group an +A.

2nd Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-04-21T10:28:00.000-07:00

Dystopia by Stephen Zito. The idea is good, but too much to follow.

Obamaverse by Danny. I think this experiment is great! It's entertaining...I get to see President Obama, Superman and Batman...(^_^)

1st Day of Final Experiment in SL

2009-04-20T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is our very 1st final experiment presented by Ed. His topic is "Music World" We're suppose to grad different notes and compose our own song...it's pretty cool.

And this is our 2nd Final Experiment present by Colleen. Her topic is "Public Collage Even". I think this is a clever idea by put whatever we want in the collage. It's easy to build and manageable. I really enjoy doing both experiments.

more cool places...

2009-04-15T21:40:00.001-07:00

"Statue of King David"

"The Last Supper"

"Sistine Chapel"

translator in second life

2009-04-15T21:37:00.000-07:00

I have been searching for translator in Second Life, so I can understand foreign people's language.

Language Translation - By Simbolic

SLURL:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Cupo/103/117/36

Experiement Guidelines & Plan Assignment

2009-04-05T23:12:00.000-07:00

1. Experiment Title: Interactive Chinese Learning through Virtual World

2. Scenario: Nowadays people can almost find everything in the virtual world. Thus, I want to know how efficient to use it as an education supplement to help learners about Chinese culture and language. If so, I want clear instruction to lead me as I am trying to teach Chinese culture through virtual world.

3. Mechanics: I will try to gather a group of people in SL as a focus group. From there, I will try to start promote and educate about Chinese culture and language, and see how participants react/response .

4. SL Location: I find several places that suit the experiment. China Town, Geisha Club, etc. These places have many similar Asian architecture built in the environment, thus it will be an ideal place to meet.

SLURL: slurl.com/secondlife/China%20Town/163/47/29

5. Roles: I will treat the whole class as student who are totally foreign to the Chinese culture and what would they like to know about. Then I simply act as a teacher to teach about Chinese culture. And if student who are Chinese, they can assist me with teaching and testing as well. Here are some tentative roles:
- coordinator (coordinate/oversee the entire event/gathering)
- teachers (teach/answer about the Chinese culture and language)
- reporters (write down the process whether it's efficient or not)
- photography (take good snapshot)
- students (participants who attend to learn)
- testers (test around with the overall event/activity)
- creators (help create curriculum and materials)

6. Role Assignments: Will be assign shortly...

7. Assets Provided: Objects that will assist with the meeting, such as books, structures, etc.

8. Participant Preparation: Maybe just ask people to dress Asian-like and prepare questions that they want to know/learn about Chinese culture.

9. Production Plan: I am still searching for more resource, but in term of place, I found a good place that suit the environment.

Educational Uses of Second Life

2009-04-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFU9oUF2HA

Scripting Exercise

2009-04-01T23:33:00.001-07:00

I am building a simple object and trying to apply the script by changing the default to something else. So now when people touch it, it will talks back to you.

this one, i am trying to make a bench that can change color when you sit on it...so i am still figuring how...

now i sit on it, and nothing happen.....lol
WARNING: This is a CRAZY girl!!! If you see this "beautiful" bride....run your butt out.....she will make a cage to trap you...then you'll be trap and unable to do anything....be careful (@_@) Sigh!

Building Exercise: 3rd Object

2009-04-01T21:31:00.000-07:00

I am making a dog's head...

Building Exercise: 2nd Object

2009-04-01T20:48:00.001-07:00

I built a life saver and a boat. Surprisingly, this was very time consuming...it was suppose to be at night time, but when I finished building it, it was already the morning....(~_~) sigh!

Building Exercise: 1st Object

2009-04-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

This is my first object that I build. Initially, I was trying to create basketball, but somehow it turns into a pumpkin. (^_^)

3 Features I Like In SL

2009-03-28T21:21:00.000-07:00

1) I think the first feature that I like the most is allowing avator to dance in different styles/songs. It's very typical in Second Life to dance. If you don't learn how to dance, people may neglect you and think you're still newbie. By dancing with other avatars, it seems a easier way to grasp their attention and make friends. I think it's one of the efficient way to communicate in Second Life; as well as, having fun with them in the virtual world.

~ look at my avator, is dancing like rock star that attract many people....hehe (^_^)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEdV618BHj4

2) Secondly, I like to fly and float on the sky to do different moves. This is unlike the "fly" button on our screen. There is actually a "colored ball" in some area that you can touch on it and start floating to do different movie. I like this because in real life, it's impossible to fly...and since in Second Life, you can fly...it's a great feature that allows players to explore.

3) Thirdly, I think SL allows players to teleport to their friend's location is a very useful function. In that way, it save a lot time to find your friends. Likewise, SL has many small little features and functions are actually very useful, such as: fly, zoom in/out, touch, interact, communicate, etc. I do appreacited all the small function and features of this game.

how to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixsaMrX2ZU4

3 Cool Places I Like in SL

2009-03-28T17:38:00.000-07:00

1) AFRICA

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Africa/10/88/40

Description: I always love the explore the world in nature and wilderness. So I found this place, called "Africa" that has many wild animal and cool nature to explore. It's very thrilling and chatting with new people over here.

2) CHINA TOWN

SLURL: slurl.com/secondlife/China%20Town/163/47/29

Description: This place has many cool traditional Chinese architectures and structures . I can use this place as a study to see how to create a Chinese environment.

3) RAW ART GALLERY & SCULPTURES:

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/RAW/134/147/26

Description: Raw Art Gallery & Sculptures is an out/indoor art gallery museum that show various of artworks and sculptures. I like this place because it is very lively and colorful throughout the entire place. Also I have seen many creative artwork that inspire me to think more creatively and extraordinary.

New Assignments

2009-03-17T09:46:00.000-07:00

1) Cool paces to visit:
- 3 places and explain why?
- snapshots
- email everybody -> name SLURL

2) Cool SL features. (how to do something)
- 3 of them with short description
- snapshots
- email to everyone, and it can be search for it.

3) Build Assignment (detail will come later)
- scripting

Bartle Test of Game Psychology

2009-03-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

As a result, my gamer DNA is: SOCIALIZER

I find that quite accurate. In the real life, I am a very passive person who always afraid to socialize with strange people, therefore, I would rather do it in the virtual world.

Basic Video Game Terminology

2009-03-05T10:11:00.000-08:00

RPG = Role Play Game

MMORPG = Massively Multiplayer Online Role Play Game

Serious game is a term used to refer to a software or hardware application developed with game technology and game design principles for a primary purpose other than pure entertainment. The Serious adjective is generally apended to refer to products used by industries like defense, education, scientific exploration, health care, emergency management, city planning, engineering, religion, and politics.

http://inventorspot.com/video_game_terminology_basics

Janis Nakano - Designing Virtual Worlds

2009-03-04T17:56:00.000-08:00

After listening to Janis's presentation, I nodded and nodded. I must agree with many of her points. She have really further my understanding of virtual design and the processing of creating it. It's more than just a game, but an application where people can fulfill their desire that they are unable to do in the real world. And here are the main points that she has mentioned on the presentation:

"When human needs are not met it's our nature to strive to fill them through other mans."

Have "BIG" idea
Know your target
Have a clear value
Design for your target
Plan, Plan, Plan

Final Project Ideation

2009-03-02T13:49:00.000-08:00

For my final project, I want to create a virtual world that can teach non-native about Chinese culture and language. And here are my goal(s):

Significance: The Chinese American population is rapidly growing and the demand for learning Chinese in United States is high. Using supplemental tools like online games and courses can improve the process of learning Chinese for non-native speakers.
Objective: My primary objective is to create a virtual world that help teach Chinese language and culture. Ideally, I will incorporate appropriate curricula into the virtual game to help ease the process of learning the Chinese language. Lastly, the virtual world experience would make it fun and interactive to enhance learners’ motivation and initiative to learn Chinese language and culture.
Creative Methodology: information/data collection, survey/questionnaires, focus groups, interviews, outcome analysis.

other source:
http://www.daesign.com
http://userwww.sfsu.edu/~rbe/

Second Life v.s There

2009-02-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

After several hours of exploring in There.com, I found it quit appealing and interesting, and even better than Second Life. However, there are pros and cons in both Second Life and There.

Second Life
Pro:

there are more activities and varieties (ie, fashion, appearance, building, item, scenery, places, events, etc)
better 3D animation in graphic detail (but still look fate)
you can fly and navigate better

Con:

weird proportional in avatar
weird sound during conversation
unnatural looking in any way
things get too complicate to understand

There
Pro:

better proportion and virtual graphic (personal taste since both are not real yet)
better movement
more clean and simple
the bubble conversation is effective in term of keep track of the history.

Con:

navigation is too slow (in SL, you can fly)
can only play in PC, not MAC?!?
not enough gesture compare to Second Life.
there will be addition browser open in front of the screen

Second Life: The Beginning

2009-02-17T16:24:00.000-08:00

After spending few hours in Second Life, I start to get the basic features and functions of the the game. However, there are still many unknowns to me and still quit difficult for me to play the game.

Despite all these, I think it's really a good game that provide people with alternative/fantasy life in the virtual world. You can basically create anything you like, and now I am looking forward to learn and play more about this game...

Virtual Persona(s)

2009-02-13T14:34:00.000-08:00

If I am creating my Second Life’s avatar with two personas, I think my first one will be in a human-being form with the most ideal features and talents. Such as good quality of characteristics (gentle, understanding, sensitive, wise, etc), and with many good talents (artistic, guitar, piano, singing, etc).

Then for my second persona, I may want to create surreal-being, maybe a pig. Although a pig is neither attractive nor appealing in the outside, yet its gentle and kind that brings out all of its inner beauty to the world. Plus I am born in the year of pig; thus it has many symbolic meaning and representation of me. Also, I want something to have wings too because I think it's so cool!

Avatar Name: Holypig Tigerfish

What is Second Life?

2009-02-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

Second Life is a free online virtual world imagined and created by its Residents. From the moment you enter Second Life, you'll discover a fast-growing digital world filled with people, entertainment, experiences and opportunity.

It's developed by Linden Lab

Reading Agency Chapter

2009-02-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

When I was reading the "HOH's Agency Chapter", I nodded and nodded. I agree with many of her points on why people want to play video games, and have a better understand of a human's needs and desires.

- to have full control of the avator/character
- to enjoy the pleasure of navigate
- to create unique story line
- to surpass the surreal world
- to communicate and meet friends
- to reveal the maze
- to create drama
- to compete and compare
- to enjoy the problem solving
- to construct and destruct
- to finish the whole game

After finished the whole chapter, I start to appreciate more about the designing process of a video game. Especially how researchers and game developers have consider players' perspective to design a game that fit their need and desire. Now, I am ready to play more games and get inspiration for my Creative Work Project ~ "Interactive Chinese Learning through Video Game"

ToonTown Exercise

2009-02-02T14:05:00.000-08:00

Attempt some collaborative actions such as EZ Chat and teaming up to fight Cogs. Describe the basics of what you did and the results. What were the limitations you experienced?

First of all, I have to make friend with somebody, and then start our conversation by asking for help in a battle. Then we can team up and fight the Cogs together. We can combine attack by choosing similar item together to make it stronger. Or I can just join in the battle when there are less than 4 players against the Cogs.

And some of the limitations during the battle are you can only attack one Cogs at a time, so I would suggest that advanced players are able to have an ability to attack 2 or more Cogs at a time, so that will save a lot of the time.

“Teamwork is encouraged in Toontown since low-level Toons frequently need the help of others to complete difficult challenges or perform certain tricks.” (Wikipedia)

What features would you add to help yourself navigate better?

I think the game should add a "Run" feature by double clicking the arrows or something so that players can navigate and explore ToonTown much faster.

Also, since they have those transporter in the Book Menu that only limited to Home and Playground, they should make more for different places, so players doesn’t have to waste all the time walking back to the different places.

Comment on 3 aspects of ToonTown that relate to the HOH-Agency Chapter.

the pleasures of navigation, because in ToonTown you will get to see new thing and new town when you’re advancing the games, so that really give a pleasures for players to explore. Just like traveling.
the agency satisfaction. You get to form and control your character to do most of things in ToonTown that you usually wouldn’t do in the real world. For example, like throwing pancake to bad guys and playing various games in Trolley without worry you will be in accident.
also the story that you create when you play along by completing different task. Although each players has similar tasks, each players will be different in term of the time they spend, the friends they meet, the adventure they take will make each player unique and special.