Attending 2 workshops

This is the first workshop:

I have attended two workshops on “Using Builder Buddy: Creating a Tutorial Space”

One was done by Melann Viodovic (Avatar’s name) on 15 Feb 2009 at about 17 GMT. I was the only participant in the workshop as my colleague had certain pre-arranged appointment. It was a bout building a carpet and two chairs. I had registered through Sloodle before joining the other day.

The second was done by Protomas Ludwig (Avatar’s name). It was On Wednesday at 2:00 a.m. It was about building boxes. There were four participants who stayed till the end of the workshop. I was teleported by my colleague to the workshop.

This is the second workshop:

The following is my evaluation of both workshops

Workshop design: planning, and preparation

Features	First workshop by Melann	Second workshop by Promotas
1. Special design and lay out	Free form	Addressing pragmatics of SL environment
3. Organization of instructions and discourse		Prepared
4. Physical organization of learning
5. Business model	free	By donation
6. Maturity level	Recurrent items	Recurrent items
Comments about planning and preparation: At the beginning, it was always frustrating to get involved in doing the workshop. By the course of time, the procedure became obvious and easy to implement the activities and the tasks that the presenter would suggest. My recurrent problem has always been the connection of the internets, which is slow from time to time. I had to log off many times. I have learned all the details in the first workshop since I kept asking Melanie all the childish questions that came to my mind. These questions were enthusiastically answered. Melanie was so patient and understood the needs of a newbie. Therefore, in the second workshop, I was aware of the structure and the context delivery, despite the bad connection I had. It took almost two hours to accomplish the whole workshop. There was a follow up; Melanie asked whether I had any questions that I was interested to know. In fact, I completely understand all the details. However, I should have asked Melanie a question.

Workshop implementation: delivery of instruction

Features	First workshop	second workshop
1. Assessment of prior/required knowledge	Informal assessment
2. Pre-prepared activities to meet the knowledge requirements	Directed (individual group activities
3. Prior knowledge	On demand
4. Preparation of user interface and viewing controls	No instruction
5. Technical preparation of participants	Registering in doodle before the workshop took place	Teleported by a colleague of mine to attend
6. Conversation flow	Ordered and controlled progressively by behavioral rules, interaction policies….
7. Communication dynamics	Tutor learner	Tutor learner
8. Movement of learners and teachers	free	Constrained sit
9. Presentation of outputs and results	Illustrated at varying of stages of development	Presented in a strategic place
10. Delivery of learning and material	Progressive	At the beginning using automated tools and scripts
11. Use of tools to deliver content instruction	Basic SL chat tools
12. Use of media to enhance teaching	Basic use of SL text chat and sense of virtual embodiment
13. Concurrent learner activity	Activities exclusively centered within the 3D world
14. Personalization of learning	Adaptive pathways
15. Pedagogical approach	Directive/ focus on rules and procedures	Process oriented
Comments about planning and preparation: · It could have been better if the evaluation format is provided via on line. Learners can just click on the different options, according to the learners’ outcome. Teachers could provide a survey at the end of the workshop. This would supply remarks for future improvement of workshops. However, a hard copy offers more time, space for the participants to write a constructive evaluation · A copy of the chat is of paramount importance. Through it, one can review any missing step or information. In addition, the record of links /URLs might be exchanged among the participants.

Implementation of the workshop: follow and evaluation

Features	First workshop	second workshop
Provision of guidance, suspense and feedback	On demand via main communication channel or back channel	On demand via main communication channel or back channel
Monitoring of student progress	Structured monitoring	Structured monitoring
Quality of feedback	Formative	Formative
Comments about follow and evaluation: Assessment is achieved at the end of the workshop. It is a building process. Success can be noticed once the building is over. In addition, the participants can cascade and teach other participants.

Implementation of the workshop: recall and transfer of learning

Features	First workshop	second workshop
Recapitulation	Systematic
After session resources	Access to social networks	Snowman building
After session activities	Individual activities
Comments about recall and transfer of learning: I will have my own workshop. I do not know whether there will be anyone to attend.