Conference Schedule
OpenSimulator Community Conference 2024 – December 6-8, 2024
The OpenSimulator Community Conference is an annual conference that focuses on the developer and user community creating the OpenSimulator software. Organized by AvaCon, the virtual conference features presentations, workshops, keynote sessions, and community social events and tours across diverse sectors of the OpenSimulator user base.
More info at http://conference.opensimulator.org and to register, go to https://conference.opensimulator.org/register/
Community social events can be scheduled on dates leading up to the conference on Saturday 7-dec-24, and after 6PM PDT on Sunday 8-dec-24, or any time in the days following. Submit your community event for us to add to this conference schedule.
Events taking place Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8 will be live simulcast streamed to: https://www.youtube.com/c/AvaconOrg/live
ALL TIMES LISTED IN PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (PST/SLT) (-8 GMT)
TO CONVERT TO YOUR LOCAL TIME, USE THE TIME ZONE CONVERTER. Put our events in your own Calendar: iCal Feed | Google Calendar
DJ Kathryn Yer
Location
- Music region
Speaker
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DJ Kathryn Yer
Having worked for many years as a DJ in RL, Kat brought her love of music and Irish charm to virtual worlds. She is also quite the 3D modelor, game designer, coder, and builder with that unique sense of humor and personality like no other. You can catch Kat’s shows at the 381 Club in sinespace where this witch from Northern Ireland spins tunes three times a week from 6-8 pm Eastern Time on Saturday and Sunday evenings.
DJ Kathryn Yer plays the 80s, 90s and the best of the rest in her sets. Having worked for many years as a DJ in RL, Kat brought her love of music and Irish charm to virtual worlds. She is also quite the 3D modelor, game designer, coder, and builder with that unique sense of humor and personality like no other. You can catch Kat’s shows at the 381 Club in sinespace where this witch from Northern Ireland spins tunes two times a week from 6-8 pm Eastern Time on Saturdays and Sundays evenings. She also makes AI generated songs which she plays at her shows.
Live Music with Wytchwhisper Sadofsky
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
Wytchwhisper Sadofsky
Wytchwhisper Sadofsky is a Multifaceted Artist, Singer/Songwriter, Advisor, Spiritually Enlightened Wiccan and Comedic Deviant. She has been singing in SL since 2009 Some of her songs can be sung in English, Domestic Cat, Domestic Potatoe and Domestic Chicken.Called a torch singer by some and a freaky fairy by others she has a unique sultry, sensuous, original, jazzy, alternative, oldies, demented, pop, rock sound at her shows. She supplies unique relaxing vocals, stress reducing melodies and life changing knowledge. Listen with caution while driving or operating dangerous equipment.
Wytchwhisper is a sultry, sensuous singer/songwriter blending torch song elegance with a playful, fairy-like vibe. Performing covers from artists like Adele, Diana Krall, Aerosmith and her own original music, Wytchwhisper’s unique vocals promise stress-reducing melodies, humor, and a touch of the unexpected. Requests welcome – sung in English or Domestic Cat (please specify with your request)!
Live Music with Tsu (Tsunamijimbunn)
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
TSU
This is where you’ll find the music of Jim Cook, or Jimtzu as I’m also known on the interwebs, also in Second Life, I go by the name of Tsu (Tsunamijimbunn). The music is a combination of Native American style flutes and guitars and synths and drums and a variety of instruments played by me. I’ve been writing and recording my original music, in many styles, for quite a while. Having played guitar and other instruments for 25+ years before picking up the Native American style flute, it was a natural transition from improvising melodies to, what is called in the flute world, “playing from the heart”. It’s all instrumental, all improvised and I play mostly original instrumental music on the Native American style flutes and guitars.
WEBSITE: http://jimtzu.com/
DOWNLOAD CDs: https://jimtzu.bandcamp.com/
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/user/jimtzu
Tsu (Tsunamijimbunn) is an eclectic musician blending Native American-style flutes, guitars, synths, and drums into original, heartfelt instrumental music. With over 25 years of experience on guitar, Tsu transitioned seamlessly to the flute, crafting improvised melodies that resonate deeply.
Particles and Music with Tuna Oddfellow
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
Tuna Oddfellow
Tuna Oddfellow is a versatile performer and content creator renowned for his captivating appearances on platforms like Virtual NBC’s “Avatar’s Got Talent” and his engaging live streams on YouTube. In addition to his dynamic performances, Tuna is celebrated for his innovative work in virtual worlds, where he creates and performs the mesmerizing Odd Ball shows. His talents extend to synthesizer music, adding an auditory dimension to his already immersive experiences. Whether he’s showcasing his unique skills, composing captivating tunes, or connecting with fans, Tuna Oddfellow is a name to watch in the digital entertainment space.
Tuna Oddfellow is a groundbreaking performer and creator known for his mesmerizing Odd Ball shows in virtual worlds and dynamic live streams. With appearances on platforms like Virtual NBC’s Avatar’s Got Talent and a flair for synthesizer music, Tuna crafts immersive experiences that captivate audiences worldwide.
https://www.threads.net/@tunaoddfellow
Welcome & OpenSimulator Core Developers plue OliveTree memorial
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
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Joyce Bettencourt / Rhiannon Chatnoir (Poster Booth #17)AvaCon, Inc., Co-Founder
Joyce Bettencourt is co-founder and Vice President of AvaCon, Inc.(https://avacon.org), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality and 3D immersive spaces. AvaCon were organizers of 2010 in Boston & 2011 in Oakland Second Life Community Convention, the Federal Consortium of Virtual Worlds virtual workshops, and the ongoing OpenSimulator Community Conference. AvaCon also currently fiscally sponsors the nonprofit community of practice, Nonprofit Commons in Second Life, where Joyce has been a community leader and host of weekly Friday meetings.
In addition, she is Creative Director of The Vesuvius Group (http://thevesuviusgroup.com), a collaborative studio specializing in developing online immersive and social environments for community-building. Joyce is a 2012 graduate of the Singularity University Graduate Studies program, focused on applying exponential technologies to addressing Global Grand Challenges.
Previously she was digital media producer for the Online Leadership Program at the educational nonprofit Global Kids and helped produce digital media learning content including the Second Life Curriculum, many virtual and physical world events, and the social issue game CONSENT! As her avatar Rhiannon Chatnoir, she has organized numerous social good online events, including the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign within the virtual world of Second Life that helped raise awareness and $10,000 USD in virtual micro transactions.
http://about.me/joycebettencourt
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Ubit Umarov (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
Ubit is currently a lead Core Developer for OpenSimulator who has been working on the project since 2012. He was instrumental in coding and implementing into the OpenSimulator codebase many of the updates that were part of the OpenSimulator 0.9 update and developing many of the OpenSimulator 0.9.1 and upcoming releases. View his code contributions online: http://opensimulator.org/viewgit/?a=search&p=opensim&h=HEAD&st=author&s=UbitUmarov and please support this key developer by donating to him directly: https://www.paypal.me/UbitUmarov
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Kevin Cozens / Andrew Hellershanks (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
Kevin has been coding for open-source projects since 1992 including being a member of the OpenSimulator Core Developer team since March of 2014, and created, or maintains several add-on modules including the OpenSimSearch (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimSearch), OpenSimProfile (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimProfile), and OpenSimMutelist (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimMutelist) modules which are used with the Open Simulator project. You can also find him reporting bugs, bug triaging, updating the OpenImulator project wiki pages, and helping users via IRC or the mailing list. Kevin also runs the OpenSimulator developer meetings held weekly in OSgrid (http://www.osgrid.org/). You can view his code contributions: https://www.openhub.net/accounts/kcozens or support him by becoming a Patreon donor to the work he does on open-source code projects: https://www.patreon.com/KevinCozens
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Melanie Milland (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
As an OpenSimulator Core Developer, Melanie has been one of the most active contributors to virtual world software in general, and OpenSimulator in particular. As her avatar “Melanie Milland”, she was a long-time Second Life™ resident and gained much experience in using virtual worlds. Melanie has been involved in a number of virtual world projects including creating, with a team of up to 12 developers, her own “spin” of the OpenSimulator software which powered the Avination Grid. Much of the grid’s code, when shared back to the core code, was the base for many of the new OpenSimulator 0.9 update features.
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Misterblue Waves / Robert Adams (Poster booths #1 and #20)
Robert Adams has been an OpenSimulator core developer for many years. His OpenSimulator work includes the BulletSim physics engine, the DSG (distributed scene graph) simulator experiment, and many performance improvements.
Other OpenSimulator projects include the Docker-izing of OpenSimulator, the experimental Basil web browser viewer, and code addition to several of the independent viewer projects. Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years. He has a current interest in distributed simulation and robotics.
Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years.
His current interests are in distributed computing and robotics.
Welcome to the 12th annual OpenSimulator Community Conference. This year’s event features presenters across the globe who will be highlighting the user projects and core development work of the OpenSimulator platform. We will kick off #OSCC24 with an overview of the latest features in the OpenSimulator software update and conversation with Core Developers of the platform.
Find out where the platform is headed and learn more about the developers who make the software happen!
WordPress Interface for OpenSimulator (w4os)
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Gudule Lapointe (Poster Booth #14)
Gudule Lapointe is founder and public face of Speculoos World. Born in 2006 on Second Life, she boarded the OpenSimulator experience and created Speculoos World grid in 2011. She developed or contributed to several complimentary solutions for OpenSim grid, like 2do HypEvents, Teleport boards, flexible helper scripts, Debian installation helpers. Currently, she is mostly involved in the developement of W4OS, the OpenSimulator WordPress Interface.
https://w4os.org
https://2do.directory
The w4os plugin serves as a seamless integration between WordPress and OpenSimulator, offering a streamlined way to manage virtual worlds through a familiar and user-friendly platform. By connecting OpenSimulator with the flexibility of WordPress, w4os allows administrators to handle essential tasks, such as grid settings and user permissions, all from within the WordPress dashboard. This significantly reduces the complexity of managing virtual environments.
One of the key advantages of w4os is its integration with WordPress user management. Users can register, log in, and manage their avatar profiles through the WordPress interface, offering a smooth and unified experience for both new and existing members of your virtual world. Additionally, the plugin provides the ability to display real-time grid status, region information, and active users directly on your WordPress site, offering up-to-date insights at a glance.
Customization is also a strong feature of w4os, allowing administrators to tailor the interface to match the aesthetic and branding of their virtual world community. Whether managing a small grid or a large-scale environment, w4os simplifies the administrative workflow and strengthens the connection between your website and virtual world operations, enhancing both user experience and operational efficiency.The w4os plugin serves as a seamless
WebRTC voice for OpenSimulator
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Misterblue Waves / Robert Adams (Poster booths #1 and #20)
Robert Adams has been an OpenSimulator core developer for many years. His OpenSimulator work includes the BulletSim physics engine, the DSG (distributed scene graph) simulator experiment, and many performance improvements.
Other OpenSimulator projects include the Docker-izing of OpenSimulator, the experimental Basil web browser viewer, and code addition to several of the independent viewer projects. Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years. He has a current interest in distributed simulation and robotics.
Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years.
His current interests are in distributed computing and robotics.
SecondLife voice support is changing from Vivox to WebRTC. Since the Vivox voice servers are going to stop working, OpenSimulator will lose its voice support until a new open source service is created and integrated into the OpenSimulator sources. This presentation describes my project to create such a service. Linden Labs has been generous enough to publish the format and protocols for the new voice support. This makes possible a new service. I am creating a WebRTC based service to integrate into OpenSimulator sources. The implementation uses the Janus WebRTC server, Docker containers, and OpenSimulator region modules. The presentation describes the changes from Vivox to WebRTC, gives an overview of WebRTC, and then describes the new implementation for WebRTC based voice for OpenSimulator.
Vivox voice is going away and Linden Lab is replacing SecondLifeâ„¢ voice with WebRTC. All Third Party Viewers will change to this new voice service and, since the Vivox service will stop operating, OpenSimulator will be left without any voice. This presentation describes WebRTC, how SecondLifeâ„¢ clients are changing to use WebRTC for voice, and then presents an implementation of WebRTC based voice for OpenSimulator systems using the Janus WebRTC server. The initial implementation will have limitations and thus future work is laid out.
Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
The Padorama: simulating the journey by train from Manchester to Liverpool in 1834
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
In the summer of 1834 a moving panorama depicting the recently opened Liverpool and Manchester Railway was shown in London. This presentation attempts to recreate aspects of the show based on the information available from published sources.
The presentation will depict the proposed location of the panorama performance and the consequent affordances and constraints. The possible component parts of the performance will be detailed and a theatre suitable for its display rezzed on stage. A brief presentation of images from the booklet accompanying the original panorama will then be displayed in moving format together with additional static and moving objects to illustrate features that made this panorama show unusual for its time.
Virtual World Play: Neuroplasticity, Transfer of Learning, & Discovery Learning
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow (Poster Booth #15)
Xenon Darrow has been in virtual worlds since 2006. She was originally in Second Life and an active participant in helping others learning virtual world skills, as well as bringing corporate learning into the virtual world and using it’s components to create learning in the real world. She has been an active denizen in OpenSim for about 3.5 years, currently residing at Wolf Territories. She has a personal learning project called Inspiring Learning Spaces in the Virtual World and another for teaching instructional systems design in an immersive environment. She is the founder of WolfTEC – Wolf Territories Educational Community, as well as the Wolf Territories ambassador for VWEC – Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. Xenon is a real life instruction designer at a major medical school, often using AI and virtual world media for content and design. She had a learning and development business for over 32 years, with the core of her clients being Fortune 50 companies. She has worked with & in higher education for over 13 years.
Virtual worlds are considered games to many. While legitimate learning has become well documented in video games over the last two decades, virtual worlds present unique perspectives and opportunities. Rather than being task- or quest-based, virtual worlds present a blank slate in which participants must make broader choices and work harder to find relatable activities, as well as locating resources to learn basic and advanced skills. This session explores the impact on neuroplasticity and transfer of learning of virtual world skills, the peripheral skills that contribute to the virtual world environment, and the benefits of discovery learning theory in this medium. The presenter will share some of her own publications, experiences, and applications while exploring the components of these topics.
This TED type session explores the impact of virtual world participation in four parts. First, we will explore the question: What makes virtual world participation different from other “games?” This is followed by an examination of how the choice of the types of participation in the virtual world affects neuroplasticity with regard to the use of technology, with a focus on older adults. This will include excerpts from a textbook chapter co-authored by the presenter.
We will then delve into probing how learning virtual world skills and peripheral skills may affect the positive transfer of learning into real world skills. The presenter will share her own personal experiences regarding effects on her professional life as an instructional designer in a major medical school. Finally, we analyze the manner in which discovery learning is relevant to the virtual world and why it is so impactful.
Chain of Thought – AI, the condor of mind
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
Over the past few years, I have presented numerous (impossible) ideas, offered (unusual) ways to go, and shared (impossible) perspectives, mainly in the field of the arts. Now, the time has come to look beyond and to step forward. In 1981, Steve Jobs introduced “The bicycle for the mind”, the computer. I am excited to present the next evolution: the condor for the mind – the first AGI.
I will offer a glimpse into mesh creations out of words.
OSCC Meta Tour
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Kisma Stepanich-Reidling / Juliette SurrealDreaming (Poster Booth #7)
I am a writer, artist, creative guide. Art is my soul food, I could not exist without it. Currently, as I transition into a new stage of life and gain a different perspective, I am translating the experience into my art.
https://kismareidling.com/
“Only what can be seen and touched can be shared as truth. In other words, every story must be grounded in reality.” – Art Blue
That’s the field trip to OSSC META
The art items there have been created by Kisma to support the presentation Chain of Thought.
Meal Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
BREAK VIP: Keynote Q&A
Location
- Developers Lecture Hall
Speakers
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
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Joyce Bettencourt / Rhiannon Chatnoir (Poster Booth #17)AvaCon, Inc., Co-Founder
Joyce Bettencourt is co-founder and Vice President of AvaCon, Inc.(https://avacon.org), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality and 3D immersive spaces. AvaCon were organizers of 2010 in Boston & 2011 in Oakland Second Life Community Convention, the Federal Consortium of Virtual Worlds virtual workshops, and the ongoing OpenSimulator Community Conference. AvaCon also currently fiscally sponsors the nonprofit community of practice, Nonprofit Commons in Second Life, where Joyce has been a community leader and host of weekly Friday meetings.
In addition, she is Creative Director of The Vesuvius Group (http://thevesuviusgroup.com), a collaborative studio specializing in developing online immersive and social environments for community-building. Joyce is a 2012 graduate of the Singularity University Graduate Studies program, focused on applying exponential technologies to addressing Global Grand Challenges.
Previously she was digital media producer for the Online Leadership Program at the educational nonprofit Global Kids and helped produce digital media learning content including the Second Life Curriculum, many virtual and physical world events, and the social issue game CONSENT! As her avatar Rhiannon Chatnoir, she has organized numerous social good online events, including the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign within the virtual world of Second Life that helped raise awareness and $10,000 USD in virtual micro transactions.
http://about.me/joycebettencourt
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Ubit Umarov (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
Ubit is currently a lead Core Developer for OpenSimulator who has been working on the project since 2012. He was instrumental in coding and implementing into the OpenSimulator codebase many of the updates that were part of the OpenSimulator 0.9 update and developing many of the OpenSimulator 0.9.1 and upcoming releases. View his code contributions online: http://opensimulator.org/viewgit/?a=search&p=opensim&h=HEAD&st=author&s=UbitUmarov and please support this key developer by donating to him directly: https://www.paypal.me/UbitUmarov
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Kevin Cozens / Andrew Hellershanks (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
Kevin has been coding for open-source projects since 1992 including being a member of the OpenSimulator Core Developer team since March of 2014, and created, or maintains several add-on modules including the OpenSimSearch (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimSearch), OpenSimProfile (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimProfile), and OpenSimMutelist (https://github.com/kcozens/OpenSimMutelist) modules which are used with the Open Simulator project. You can also find him reporting bugs, bug triaging, updating the OpenImulator project wiki pages, and helping users via IRC or the mailing list. Kevin also runs the OpenSimulator developer meetings held weekly in OSgrid (http://www.osgrid.org/). You can view his code contributions: https://www.openhub.net/accounts/kcozens or support him by becoming a Patreon donor to the work he does on open-source code projects: https://www.patreon.com/KevinCozens
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Melanie Milland (Poster Booth #1)OpenSimulator Core Developer
As an OpenSimulator Core Developer, Melanie has been one of the most active contributors to virtual world software in general, and OpenSimulator in particular. As her avatar “Melanie Milland”, she was a long-time Second Life™ resident and gained much experience in using virtual worlds. Melanie has been involved in a number of virtual world projects including creating, with a team of up to 12 developers, her own “spin” of the OpenSimulator software which powered the Avination Grid. Much of the grid’s code, when shared back to the core code, was the base for many of the new OpenSimulator 0.9 update features.
-
Misterblue Waves / Robert Adams (Poster booths #1 and #20)
Robert Adams has been an OpenSimulator core developer for many years. His OpenSimulator work includes the BulletSim physics engine, the DSG (distributed scene graph) simulator experiment, and many performance improvements.
Other OpenSimulator projects include the Docker-izing of OpenSimulator, the experimental Basil web browser viewer, and code addition to several of the independent viewer projects. Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years. He has a current interest in distributed simulation and robotics.
Outside OpenSimulator, he has been a computer developer and researcher for 40 years.
His current interests are in distributed computing and robotics.
This is a special session for #OSCC24 speakers, crowdfunders, and volunteers to be able to ask questions of several developers of the OpenSimulator platform
HIE – Celebrating the many languages of OpenSimulator
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Heike Philp
Heike Philp is CEO of let’s talk online sprl, an immersive education specialist for language teaching and learning. She is co-initiator of EU funded LANCELOT (virtual classroom) and AVALON (virtual world) and the CAMELOT project (machinima for language teachers) and GUINEVERE (games in virtual worlds). She is founder of the Virtual Round Table Conference and co-owns EduNation in Second Life and in OpenSim.
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Mal Burns (Poster Booth #2)
Mal Burns is host of the “Inworld Review” – a weekly news and discussion program mostly focused on the hypergrid which has been running for over 15 years. Mal has used virtual environments for nearly two decades, is concerned about user interfaces in general and has a wealth of media and design experience behind him. In the organic sphere he is now retired and uses his experience to deploy and promote immersive spaces. He also has a twitter stream (@malburns) which provides news links on a daily basis.
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James Lloyd / James Atlloud
AvaCon volunteer staff member and fan of Open Simulator. Also does a weekly webcast with Mal Burns.
Three members of the Hypergrid International Expo organizing team will be discussing unique aspects of this celebration of the languages of the hypergrid.
Moderator – Heike Philp
Panelists:
Mal Burns
James Lloyd
Thirza Ember
History in Virtual Worlds -Conquest and Tragedy
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Andrew Wheelock / Spiff Whitfield
17 years in Virtual Worlds education with the Virtual Pioneers and Islands of Enlightenment.
Educator in elementary education, Technology Integrator, now Technology Director.
Https://www.virtualpioneers.org
Https://www.coffeewithageek.org
https://islandsoe.weebly.com
Utilizing the Metaverse for Serious Learning
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Valerie Hill / Valibrarian Gregg (Poster Booth #9)
Dr. Valerie Hill is a library and information science educator with a research focus on the intersection of information literacy and global digital participatory culture. She has taught at all age levels, served as a school librarian, and is a National Writing Project trainer. She is a co-coordinator of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium and Director of the Community Virtual Library.
https://valibrarian.net/
https://linktr.ee/Valibrarian
https://about.me/valibrarian
https://www.metaverselibraries.org/
https://communityvirtuallibrary.org/ -
Becky Adams / Elli Pinion (Poster booth #9)
Becky Adams, PhD, served as the Director for Online Course Development at the University of New Mexico and is co-coordinator of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. She is passionate about best practices of using technology for learning and is an early adopter of teaching in the metaverse.
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Bruce Gross / Cooper Swizzle (Poster Booth #9)
Bruce became drawn to 3D Virtual Immersive Environments for training after being introduced to them at a professional association meeting for trainers. Bruce realized they created opportunities for both synchronous and asynchronous trainings for learners, and offered a very cost-effective solution for companies utilizing them. He realized that 3D environments enabled better engagement for learners, and began implementing use of 3D Environments as replacements for PowerPoint slides in webinars (where he had attendees watch via the webinar screen as he explored the topics in the 3D world). And he was able to convince the company leadership to try a pilot program using 3D worlds for training as a substitute for the expensive face-to-face, week-long training marathons that had been a staple of the company leadership development.
After completing the highly successful pilot 3D leadership training series, he was able to continue and expand the 3D course offerings and subsequently ran a 5-year 3D-based training program before retiring from the company. Holding certifications in DDI®️, Forte®️, and 3D Virtual Worlds from the University of Washington (2012), Bruce brings a broad spectrum of experience in training and enjoys using and sharing knowledge gained from his 15+plus years of training experience.
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Virginia Dickenson / Xenon Darrow (Poster Booth #15)
Xenon Darrow has been in virtual worlds since 2006. She was originally in Second Life and an active participant in helping others learning virtual world skills, as well as bringing corporate learning into the virtual world and using it’s components to create learning in the real world. She has been an active denizen in OpenSim for about 3.5 years, currently residing at Wolf Territories. She has a personal learning project called Inspiring Learning Spaces in the Virtual World and another for teaching instructional systems design in an immersive environment. She is the founder of WolfTEC – Wolf Territories Educational Community, as well as the Wolf Territories ambassador for VWEC – Virtual Worlds Education Consortium. Xenon is a real life instruction designer at a major medical school, often using AI and virtual world media for content and design. She had a learning and development business for over 32 years, with the core of her clients being Fortune 50 companies. She has worked with & in higher education for over 13 years.
Since the birth of the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium in January of 2021, educators have been joining forces to share their work, their passion for immersive learning, and goals to best utilize the metaverse for teaching and learning. This growth is documented through a growing body of research, programs like the VWEC Student Challenge, machinima videos of expert speakers and a directory of simulations, avatars and communities. Across the globe, educators are hearing about the potential for providing virtual learning experiences for students but without the rich resources we can provide by banning together, it is simply too difficult to navigate the vast worlds that are emerging. Come hear about a variety of ways to explore these worlds for best practices.
This session will share a panel of Metaverse Experts who have utilized immersive learning successfully and will include both the documented outcomes and the challenges we face as the metaverse evolves.
Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
Integrated framework for Person and Professional Growth
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Andrew Stricker / Spinoza Quinnell (Poster Booth #3)
Andrew Stricker serves as an innovation and strategy analyst for LeMay Center at Air University. Previously, Dr. Stricker served Vanderbilt University as associate provost for innovation through technology. He has also served 27 years as an Air Force officer and scientist specializing in learning sciences and human-factors engineering. His research is focused on modeling adaptive expertise and the design of learning technologies. His graduate work was conducted at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas and Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
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Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
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JJ Jacobson / JJ Drinkwater (Poster Booth #3)Sci-Fi Librarian
JJ Drinkwater is a Virtual Librarian in a Real World, or a Real Librarian in a Virtual World, or both, or neither. Curatorial experience includes the real & imaginary 19th c, American Culinary History, and Speculative Fiction. Current research is Interactive/Immersive/Improvisatory Narrative in Virtual Environments.
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Francisca Yonekura / Frankie Antonelli (Poster Booth #3)
Frankie comes from the higher education world where she specializes in instructional systems and emerging technologies in support of learning. Frankie is also known to be a curious traveler immersed in virtual worlds for empowering learning experiences in the company of kindred spirits.
This presentation addresses the design and development of an integrated framework and immersive 3D simulation, making use of the ‘Life Worth Living’ model (taught at Yale University) with Montana ‘Bitterroot’ Salish, Hopi, and Navajo concepts, for helping to guide meaningful personal and professional growth.
This presentation addresses the design and development of an integrated framework and simulation, making use of the ‘Life Worth Living’ model (taught at Yale University) with Montana ‘Bitterroot’ Salish, Hopi, and Navajo concepts, for helping to guide meaningful personal and professional growth. Three deictic categories are applied in the design framework of an immersive 3D interactive simulation: personal deixis (I, you, we), spatial deixis (this, that, here, there), and temporal deixis (yesterday, now, tomorrow). Each deixis is represented in the integrated framework and companion simulation (conveyed using audio recordings of representative words from spoken ‘Montana Salish’). Temporal and discourse deictics help to introduce and contextualized Native American concepts applied in the integrated framework. The integrated framework makes use of features from the ‘Life Worth Living’ model, offered by Miroslav Volf (Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology, Yale Divinity School), with Native American concepts: Hopi ‘Koyaanisqatsi’, Navajo ‘Four Worlds’, and Sacred Hoop.
Multi-stage Dev of AI NPCs for undergraduate education
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Scott Grant / Kaylee West (Poster Booth 21)
Dr Grant lived, studied and worked in China for 8 years. He has taught Chinese language and culture at tertiary level for more than 20 years. He coordinates and teaches two gateway units in the Monash University Chinese Studies program. He is the creator of the Monash Chinese Island virtual language learning simulation in Second Life that has been part of the formal introductory level curriculum at Monash since 2008.
Scott has also conducted collaborative research and jointly published a number of papers on educational uses of 3D multi-user virtual environments covering topics including self-efficacy, cognitive skills , second language acquisition and foreign language anxiety. His PhD thesis was based on his work on task-based language learning in the virtual environment of Chinese Island. Scott’s current research focuses on educational uses of high immersion VR and AI.
Full title: Multi-stage development of AI Non-Player Characters for educational purposes in an undergraduate curriculum.
Five interconnected technological developments over the last 70 years have converged in recent decades to create new learning opportunities for foreign language learners: computers, computer games, internet, AI, chatbots, and speech recognition. This presentation will give a brief description of the multi-stage development process over 17 years of AI chatbots in Second Life used as part of a Chinese language and culture traditional undergraduate curriculum currently still in use in a major Australian university.
The presentation will also briefly touch on learner feedback at various stages of the development of the interactive NPCs and on published research related to the use of these NPCs in task-based learning within the formal undergraduate curriculum.
Exploring AI
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Jade Tyler
I am honored to be a SL Firestorm Helper and update the New Residents FS Wiki, also I’m a Brewmaster at Builder’s Brewery, a Blogger for Relay For Life, Rock Your Rack, and other groups and DJ inworld
In the real world, I teach teachers how to use technology in their lessons to engage students more effectively and DJ at www.bluesmusicfan.com (Mondays at 5 pm & Fridays at 8 am eastern standard time.
https://jadetyler20.wixsite.com/introduction-to-ai
https://classroom.google.com/c/NjgxMzc1Mzc2MzQ2?cjc=js2nkxu
https://jadetr.wixsite.com/organizinginventory
(I teach many classes at Builder’s Brewer on Beginner Building, also Use of Textures, how to use Discord and SL Hosting)
I designed and continue to update the Firestorm New Residents Wiki
https://wiki.firestormviewer.org/new_residents:start
Let’s Explore AI for Images, Video, Music and Scripting.
I would go through the following website, https://jadetyler20.wixsite.com/introduction-to-ai
and explain how to write the best prompt to generate an image. (All my sites are free to use – this website is constantly changing.)
I explain the free sites, what you can use the sites for, and the cost of an upgrade.
I talk about copyright issues and supply students with the website to that continuing conversation.
Some free sites have Discord groups, I present how to go into Discord, and the advantage to being a member there.
And I tell my experiences with AI, in Second life, and with Real life students.
Finally, I end my presentation with questions and answers, and discussion.
Live Music with Veo Voom
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
Veo Voom
Veo Voom’s eclectic music spans Oldies, Folk, and Alternative Rock with a unique flair as he looks to uplift spirits and unite people through the power of music on his guitar, piano, harmonica, accrodion, bass, drums and much more!
Veo Voom a passionate musician who has been captivating audiences since the 4th grade. With an eclectic taste that spans Oldies, Folk, and Alternative Rock, he brings a unique flair to every performance. As a multi-instrumentalist, Veo showcases his talents on guitar, piano, harmonica, accordion, bass, drums, and more. His mission is to uplift spirits and unite people through the power of music.
Live Music with Acoustic Energy (James Olmos)
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
James Olmos
James Olmos (SL: Acoustic Energy) is a songwriter & photographer who finds creative outlets through life’s moments. His inspiration and muse, along with medium often changes as he discovers and crosses new paths. James takes chances with his art and is constantly evolving. He is curious and can’t sit still. James gets anxious and craves exploration on many levels. His social network posts range from songs he has written, photographs he’s captured and blog ramblings about his philosophical thoughts and life’s moments. James also enjoys a healthful lifestyle and is passionate about obstacle course racing, mud runs, trail runs and the all-out, kick ass times he has while breathing, living, and journeying through life’s moments. As for his music, James is one of those artists who doesn’t need 1,000 listeners; he only needs one to listen. He doesn’t need a 1,000 viewers; just one to see.
James Olmos, also known as Acoustic Energy, is a songwriter, photographer, and adventurer. Drawing inspiration from daily life and quiet introspection, his art reflects a passion for exploration and connection. Whether through music, photography, or endurance sports, James creates to inspire meaningful moments with his audience.
DJ Sun Tzu with Steampunk Music
Location
- Music region
Speaker
-
Dave Fliesen / Sun Tzu
Sun Tzu (a.k.a. David Fliesen) has been causing a ruckus in the Metaverse for nearly two decades, teaming up with AvaCon and the U.S. Military to blur the lines between reality and virtual awesomeness.
But at OSCC 2024, hold onto your goggles because I’m dusting off my headphones for my first DJ set in over 20 years! The theme? Steampunk—an era that never happened but absolutely should have. I’ll be spinning tunes, including a few of my own Steampunk AI-generated music tracks, because why not let robots with monocles join the fun?
Back in the analog days, I graced the airwaves at Milwaukee’s WBCS FM-103 and WMKE AM-1340, as well as WCQL AM-1370 in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, all while juggling high school at John Marshall’s specialty program in TV and Radio Broadcasting. I even chased after my FCC license at Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) before diving into a 21-year career as a U.S. Navy Journalist.
From DJing in far-off places like Honduras to running TV and radio stations aboard aircraft carriers (because nothing says “high seas” like a good music set), I’ve seen—and spun—it all. I also taught undergrad courses on Radio Skills and Voice & Diction at the Defense Information School (DINFOS), ensuring military broadcasters could bring news and tunes to troops worldwide via the Armed Forces Radio & Television Service (AFRTS).
So, come for the Steampunk vibes and stay for a voice that’s been fine-tuned to make you forget I have a face for radio.
Sun Tzu (a.k.a. David Fliesen) is a Metaverse innovator with nearly two decades of virtual adventures, including collaborations with AvaCon and the U.S. Military. At OSCC 2024, he returns to his DJ roots after 20 years with a Steampunk-themed set featuring AI-generated tracks. A former Navy Journalist and Milwaukee radio DJ, Sun Tzu brings a mix of analog experience and digital creativity to the virtual stage.
Converting Lecture Slides to 3D Virtual World Illustrations Increases Student Engagement
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Kay McLennan (Poster Booth #22)
Kay McLennan is a Professor of Practice at the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Kay created the Tulane SoPA Metaverse (newly known as the SoPA Metaversity) and has been creating and using virtual world learning simulations in her online economics and business studies courses since 2008. Kay uses student feedback to continually refine and expand the educational simulations she creates to use in her e-courses. She has written about her creation and use of OpenSimulator-based learning simulations – see “Interactivity, Engagement, and Increased Learning Outcomes in 3D Virtual World Educational Simulations” (@ http://www.editlib.org/p/40849), “Prisoners’ Dilemma” simulation use case example (@ https://sites.google.com/view/the-prisoners-dilemma/home), and “Data Detectives Game” simulation use case example (@ https://sites.google.com/view/data-detectives-game). Also, the video clips from the December 2018 “Mainstreaming Virtual World Learning Colloquium” event – organized by Kay — can be viewed @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctERt0Fl50gLOgYPdfHDE8NcPtuO4wb0.
https://sites.google.com/view/the-prisoners-dilemma/home
https://sites.google.com/view/data-detectives-game
Webinar use during the recent Covid-19 pandemic was followed by further webinar use in online courses and diminished student interest in virtual learning simulations. As an alternative to time-consuming logins to tour virtual learning simulations, webinar presentation slides can be replaced with 3D diorama illustrations (including interactive 3D elements). This session will showcase the types of 3D virtual world illustrations post-pandemic college students overwhelmingly found to be more engaging than flat presentation slides during webinar class meetings.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately one in three of the students enrolled in my online business studies courses routinely elected to participate in the available avatar-based (or “walk-around-inâ€) virtual learning activities. In addition, the overwhelming majority of the students that self-selected the enhanced virtual learning activities found the experience made a positive contribution to their course-related learning outcomes. In contrast, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the use of webinar sessions (even in completely online/remote courses) became the norm and student interest in virtual learning activities dropped from 33 percent to less than 10 percent of the students enrolled in the same courses. The main reasons cited by students for their new disinterest in virtual learning activities included online learning fatigue, illness (either of self or other family members), work from home demands, and/or home schooling/childcare obligations.
While interest in avatar-based virtual learning simulations dropped during and after the Covid-19 pandemic, using webinars to demonstrate virtual learning simulations revealed a wider student audience for 3D course content. Specifically, pre-pandemic interest in avatar-based virtual learning activities was typically capped at a third of the students enrolled in each course, post pandemic interest in the use of 3D content in lecture presentations totaled more than two-thirds of the enrolled students in each course examined.
In addition to a significantly larger share of students expressing an interest in 3D virtual content illustrations (in comparison to avatar-based virtual learning activities), recent advances in virtual platform technology contribute to a more compelling use case. The present state of virtual platform technology provides a wide array of realistic content for the creation of dioramas that can be substituted for presentation slides.
The 3D virtual world illustrations to be demonstrated in this session were tested with both early and late undergraduate students enrolled in completely online business studies courses.
Cultivate, Collaborate, Celebrate & Innovate!
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Lisa Laxton (Poster Booth #4)
Lisa Laxton is the Founder of Infinite Metaverse Alliance® (IMA) and President of Laxton Consulting with experience providing various solutions for education, research, business, and defense clients. You may have seen her around the Hyperverse as Shelenn Ayres busy building content or engaged in testing but she is available to anyone in the Open Simulator community interested in collaborating to advance virtual worlds technology and/or to improve accessibility by design.
https://www.opensimfest.com/
https://echovoice.infinitemetaverse.org/ -
Frank Rulof (Poster Booth #4)
Frank Rulof is a retired Senior Systems Engineer from Thales Netherlands with expertise areas in Training & Simulation. He led research and innovation activities related to Open Simulator technology within the Thales Global Company using multiple Open Simulator grids focused on user needs. He continues project efforts during his retirement by continuing collaboration with IMA.
This is a panel discussion on cultivating, collaborating, and celebrating the Hypergrid community as contributors, hosts, and sponsors of OSFest 2024 and innovating with a technology focus on community needs. In the panel we present the progress in development of Echovoice using the Mumble Voice Over IP server. The presentation addresses development goals, work done, work scheduled until OSCC 2025, and a view on future development of EchoVoice.
A panel discussion on: cultivating community through collaboration and empowerment; celebrating and welcoming the Hypergrid community when hosting OSFest; and innovating with a technology focus on community needs and various use-cases. Technical aspects include developing just-in-time solutions to improve the user experience and to fill gaps in the platform; participating in the OS-NGC Trusted Grid initiative; and continuing the work on EchoVoice innovations. The presentation will include updates on various IMA projects at a high-level while noting challenges faced by stakeholders with a focus on the voice of the user.
Metaverse Accessible: Immersive Experiences through Discord
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
In this presentation, we will explore how AvatarLife is revolutionizing metaverse accessibility by integrating virtual experiences with widely-used platforms such as Discord and mobile devices. The metaverse is often seen as a high-tech, complex environment, but AvatarLife is breaking down these barriers by delivering seamless, user-friendly access to immersive worlds. Through a community-driven approach, users can dive into the metaverse from their favorite social platforms or smartphones. This talk will highlight the experiential opportunities AvatarLife provides—such as virtual gaming, video conferencing, and interactive spaces—all designed for inclusivity and ease of access.
Imagine a world where the metaverse is no longer a distant, high-tech dream but a reality accessible to everyone with just a few clicks. Welcome to AvatarLife, where we’re removing the barriers that prevent most people from engaging with the metaverse.
Many current metaverse platforms come with steep learning curves and technical requirements, from complicated sign-up processes to high-end hardware. This limits the audience to a niche group. At AvatarLife, we believe the metaverse should be accessible to anyone, regardless of their technical know-how or hardware capabilities. That’s why we’re delivering the metaverse through two highly familiar and widely used platforms: Discord and mobile devices.
Discord Integration: Accessibility through Familiarity
Discord is a platform with millions of active users, making it the perfect gateway to the metaverse. Through AvatarLife’s Discord integration, users can access the virtual world directly within the chat interface they already use. No need for complex downloads or installations—users can simply click a link and enter a fully immersive, interactive space where they can hang out, attend events, or collaborate in virtual meetings.
Mobile Experience: Your World in Your Pocket
Today’s users live on their mobile devices, so we designed AvatarLife to bring the metaverse into the palms of their hands. Our mobile-first experience ensures that anyone, anywhere, can access a high-quality virtual world experience on the go. Whether you’re on a break, commuting, or relaxing at home, AvatarLife is always available, allowing users to engage in virtual events, explore spaces, or communicate with friends without needing a desktop.
The Experiential Theme
Our experiential theme sets AvatarLife apart. Unlike traditional virtual worlds where users are passive participants, AvatarLife offers an immersive, interactive experience. Users can create avatars, own virtual land, play games like the Sure-Win Gaming system for real rewards, or participate in virtual meetings with screen sharing and audio conferencing. The flexibility and richness of these experiences, combined with the ease of access via Discord and mobile, create a metaverse for everyone.
Bridging the Virtual and Physical Worlds
What makes AvatarLife unique is how it seamlessly bridges the physical and virtual worlds. Transitioning from your Discord server to a virtual world feels as natural as sending a message, and using your mobile device to participate in virtual meetings or play games fits effortlessly into your daily life.
Our goal is to eliminate the barriers that have kept the metaverse niche for so long. By integrating familiar platforms and emphasizing experiential, engaging content, AvatarLife is making the metaverse accessible to everyone.
Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
Adaptive Learning with AI-Infused NPCs for TESOL in VR/VW Destinations
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Helena Galani / Erlina Azure (Poster Booth #6)
Accredited TESOL/EAP (online) educator, Helena Galani (Dip. RSA, University of Cambridge/UCLES; M.A ELT, University of Nottingham) blends her lessons in immersive VWs for online, flipped and hybrid classes. She owns ELT Treasure Island, Kitely, OpenSim and taught/trained EFL teachers for INDIRE, EdMondo. As EVO moderator and as Speaker, Helena trains language teachers to use Virtual Worlds with Transmedia Storytelling, games and Interactive Scenarios. Helena is EduNation, Second Life/OpenSim resident, CAMELOT.eu Award winner and presenter, actively supporting the value of VWs and machinima to promote language acquisition. With her recent passion for creating online courses, Helena is an EdTech expert using an immersive language teaching approach. As presenter for VWBPE, VRT, NYS TESOL, JALT CALL, SLMOOC and TESOL Greece, Helena highlights the usefulness of designing games, Interactive Scenarios and Transmedia Storytelling experiences in VWs for ELT/EAP.
This presentation examines adaptive learning in AI-infused VR and VWs for TESOL. We will address personalised learning paths, instructional design for developing communicative and linguistic competencies, and criteria for using AI-driven avatars and NPCs to help enhance language skills and register, fostering fluency through interactive conversations and instant feedback in diverse educational settings.Through adaptive learning applications providing personalized interactions and content generation based on user input and performance data, simulations that mimic real-life scenarios allow learners to practice language skills in context, while AI-driven avatars/NPCs can adapt their responses to each learner’s proficiency level with wit.
This presentation addresses the challenge of creating effective and engaging language learning experiences for diverse TESOL students. Many traditional approaches to teaching English fail to accommodate the varying linguistic backgrounds, learning speeds, and styles of students. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in immersive environments like virtual reality (VR) and virtual worlds (VWs), educators can design adaptive learning experiences that personalize content and instructional methods. Drawing from my experience as an Applied Linguist and TESOL tutor, I will demonstrate how these innovative technologies can transform language education by fostering individualized learning paths, enhancing student engagement, and facilitating meaningful interactions in context-rich scenarios.
Participants will learn about the practical applications of AI in VR and VWs, focusing on how real-time feedback can support students’ linguistic skills and fluency development. This adaptive approach empowers learners to take ownership of their language acquisition, allowing them to practise conversational skills and apply language in practical settings. We will also discuss the importance of prompt engineering to ensure that AI companions respond effectively, enhancing the learning experience. Additionally, I will share instructional design strategies that promote communicative and linguistic competencies, highlighting the necessity of navigating cultural nuances, style, and register in both spoken and written communication. By outlining essential criteria for evaluating AI tools in TESOL, attendees will be equipped to select technologies that align with their pedagogical goals. To conclude, I will announce the kickoff of the EVO 2025 session on Immersive AI Companion Design, inviting participants to explore further how AI can enhance the TESOL learning experience.
Lone Wolf talks Grid Tech
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
How we support all our regions and users, hints for growth – will cover our current infrastructure including Bobby and how we maintain 99% uptime.
12 years of OSCC Analytics
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Joyce Bettencourt / Rhiannon Chatnoir (Poster Booth #17)AvaCon, Inc., Co-Founder
Joyce Bettencourt is co-founder and Vice President of AvaCon, Inc.(https://avacon.org), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality and 3D immersive spaces. AvaCon were organizers of 2010 in Boston & 2011 in Oakland Second Life Community Convention, the Federal Consortium of Virtual Worlds virtual workshops, and the ongoing OpenSimulator Community Conference. AvaCon also currently fiscally sponsors the nonprofit community of practice, Nonprofit Commons in Second Life, where Joyce has been a community leader and host of weekly Friday meetings.
In addition, she is Creative Director of The Vesuvius Group (http://thevesuviusgroup.com), a collaborative studio specializing in developing online immersive and social environments for community-building. Joyce is a 2012 graduate of the Singularity University Graduate Studies program, focused on applying exponential technologies to addressing Global Grand Challenges.
Previously she was digital media producer for the Online Leadership Program at the educational nonprofit Global Kids and helped produce digital media learning content including the Second Life Curriculum, many virtual and physical world events, and the social issue game CONSENT! As her avatar Rhiannon Chatnoir, she has organized numerous social good online events, including the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign within the virtual world of Second Life that helped raise awareness and $10,000 USD in virtual micro transactions.
http://about.me/joycebettencourt
Sim and Grid Showcase
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
Lyr Lobo will be showcasing highlights from here and there on the hypergrid.
Meal Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
Writers Panel
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Mal Burns (Poster Booth #2)
Mal Burns is host of the “Inworld Review” – a weekly news and discussion program mostly focused on the hypergrid which has been running for over 15 years. Mal has used virtual environments for nearly two decades, is concerned about user interfaces in general and has a wealth of media and design experience behind him. In the organic sphere he is now retired and uses his experience to deploy and promote immersive spaces. He also has a twitter stream (@malburns) which provides news links on a daily basis.
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
-
Dorena Bree
Dorena: Dorena Bree, who used to go by Endora Twinklens in OpenSim, has been a part of Nara’s Nook since 2014. This was her first experience in 3D story building and she continues to learn something new every day. Primarily, she enjoys helping the writers at the Nook by making props for their stories. Her own stories tend to be comedically entwined with her love for campy B movies.”
AI @ MIT – Permeate on Speech-To-Text
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
-
Joyce Bettencourt / Rhiannon Chatnoir (Poster Booth #17)AvaCon, Inc., Co-Founder
Joyce Bettencourt is co-founder and Vice President of AvaCon, Inc.(https://avacon.org), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality and 3D immersive spaces. AvaCon were organizers of 2010 in Boston & 2011 in Oakland Second Life Community Convention, the Federal Consortium of Virtual Worlds virtual workshops, and the ongoing OpenSimulator Community Conference. AvaCon also currently fiscally sponsors the nonprofit community of practice, Nonprofit Commons in Second Life, where Joyce has been a community leader and host of weekly Friday meetings.
In addition, she is Creative Director of The Vesuvius Group (http://thevesuviusgroup.com), a collaborative studio specializing in developing online immersive and social environments for community-building. Joyce is a 2012 graduate of the Singularity University Graduate Studies program, focused on applying exponential technologies to addressing Global Grand Challenges.
Previously she was digital media producer for the Online Leadership Program at the educational nonprofit Global Kids and helped produce digital media learning content including the Second Life Curriculum, many virtual and physical world events, and the social issue game CONSENT! As her avatar Rhiannon Chatnoir, she has organized numerous social good online events, including the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign within the virtual world of Second Life that helped raise awareness and $10,000 USD in virtual micro transactions.
http://about.me/joycebettencourt
-
Michael Bailey / Marcus Llewelyn
Michael Bailey has been working with technology for the past 24 years. Originally a programmer, he discovered Second Life in 2007, and then became invested in the OpenSimulator project in 2009. Since then, he has acquired expertise scripting and building in virtual environments, as well as familiarity with the OpenSimulator software and it’s configuration. As an open source advocate, he makes heavy use of tools such as Blender and Open Broadcaster Studio. He’s streamed for the OpenSimulator Community Conference (OSCC) since 2014. He was instrumental in the OSCC 2016 live streaming setup, coordination, training, and A/V promotional materials. Currently a staff member at AvaCon Inc., he is dedicated to promoting projects for social good by means of video tutorials, presentations on useful software, and content creation.
-
Jeroen Frans / Frans Charming
AvaCon staff member for many years.
The Virtual Education Journal (VEJ): Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Roxie Neiro
-
BJ Gearbox
During this 20 minute session the presenters will share how VEJ got started, the purpose of the journal, and some of the themes, favorite articles and major events that had an impact on educators during the years of publication. The presenters will also discuss the future of VEJ including themes, the focus, and direction for future issues. Find out how you can write for VEJ to help share the great work being done across the metaverse with others and to archive it for posterity!
Amplifying Medical Laboratory Science; Public Health; CoWorking; and Special Interests Through Bi-directional Integration into 3D Immersive Virtual Worlds Communities within the Metaverse… Real To Virtual; Virtual To Real (R2V2R)
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Sally S. Cherry, MLS(ASCP) (Poster Booth #12)
As a 3D Immersive Virtual Worlds Evangelist and medical laboratory scientist, Sally S. Cherry, MLS(ASCP) creates 3D immersive virtual worlds, and relevant social media postings to share clinical lab-related information; distribute curated content; and to conduct specialized training sessions.
Her special interests include: 3D immersive virtual worlds; social media; information exchanges; medical laboratory science; medical laboratory science careers awareness; communicable diseases; laboratory methods for the detection and identification of sexually transmitted infections (STIs); network weaving; and public health awareness.
Depending on the time and place, she has several additional roles… Kitely Resident; Generative AI Art Creator; STI Laboratory Consultant/Instructor; 3D Virtual Worlds Photographer; Social Media Strategist; Network Weaver; RL Photo Storyteller; Board member; Webmaster; Blogger; Mother and Friend.
Bluesky URL
https://cherrynetwork.bsky.social/
The presentation, ”Amplifying Medical Laboratory Science; Public Health; CoWorking; and Special Interests Through Bi-directional Integration into 3D Immersive Virtual Worlds Communities within the Metaverse… Real To Virtual; Virtual To Real (R2V2R)” features various “Real To Virtual” (physical world) projects, and “Virtual To Real” (virtual worlds) projects as well as several amplifying strategies; tools; and resources used to reach the target audience. Since 2008, the vision of a seamless, two-way integration of 3D immersive virtual worlds has fueled the presenter’s professional and personal mission to provide capacity building; public awareness; training; networking; and coworking opportunities to medical laboratory science professionals; public health service providers; nonprofits; and communities of special interest as well as consumers of community health education.
The presentation will show how bi-directional (two-way) integration of 3D immersive virtual worlds and of social media was used to promote, educate, and network between the physical world (RL) and virtual-based networks of laboratory professionals; nonprofits, businesses; and special interest communities to enhance access and delivery of services and resources. Although the projects discussed in the presentation pertain to medical laboratory science, public/community health, and other special interest topics, the presentation was designed to provide helpful information to any interested individuals (or organization) looking to use 3D immersive virtual worlds to share information, connect, network, collaborate, and/or promote specific causes regardless of organization size, location or physical accessibility. The conference participants will learn how 3D immersive virtual worlds (and relevant social media platforms) were used in the physical world (RL) to share information; provide training; foster networking; reach target audiences; and market physical (and virtual) projects. In addition, “Real to Virtual; Virtual to Real” presentation will offer “lessons learned” information; successful “Real to Virtual” stories; and project planning tips pertaining to social media and virtual world platforms.
Break
Join us for some time exploring the many Sponsor, Crowdfunder, and speaker booths along with HyperGrid resources and art installations across the OSCC Expo Zones. Speaker booths are located in OSCC Expo Zone 3 and there are extensive Hypergrid resources and links to many HyperGrid enabled OpenSimulator grids to explore.
Making Classic Clothing in OpenSimulator Worlds
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Beth Ghostraven (Poster Booth #8)
Beth Ghostraven has been playing around with her appearance in virtual worlds since 2010. Tired of hunting for non-skanky clothing to wear to meetings and events, she started designing system and prim clothing for educators and other professionals. Her clothing is available FREE at the Ghostraven Professional Attire shop at OSCC, in Region 5.
A professional appearance for your avatar is essential for educators and others networking in virtual worlds. This workshop will help attendees learn to make their own custom clothing. The focus is on traditional (non-mesh) avatars and system clothing.
NeverWorld Amusement Creations
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Stone Lunasea (Poster Booth #11)
Description to be provided. Tiny Rollercoaster.
Play it Again – Enhancing Replay in Virtual Essential Newborn Care through Random Levels
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Rachel Umoren (Poster Booth #19)
Dr. Rachel Umoren is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Adjunct Associate Professor of Healthcare Simulation Science and Global Health at the University of Washington. Her research focuses on innovative uses of technology to improve the quality of newborn care.
-
Matt Cook
Mr Cook is a Research Engineer at the University of Washington and lead developer for the virtual ENC project.
Globally, a child’s risk of death is highest during the first 28 days of life or the neonatal period. One third of these neonatal deaths occur on the first day alone, and three quarters in the first week. The Virtual Essential Newborn Care (vENC) application enables the practice in newborn resuscitation and essential newborn care and is based on the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recently released Essential Newborn Care Course. These virtual simulations were developed to provide low-dose, high-frequency practice and to support skills retention for health professionals.
Project-Based Learning in Metaverse for K-12 Students
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Maria Magdalena / Marcel Mosswood (Poster Booth #16)
In the dynamic realm of the metaverse, I serve as both an architect and a trainer, crafting immersive digital landscapes as a metaverse builder, imparting knowledge and skills as a metaverse trainer, and illuminating the path forward as an educator in the virtual world. Through the fusion of innovation and education, I am dedicated to shaping a transformative metaverse experience, where virtual worlds become not just simulations but dynamic classrooms, empowering individuals to explore, learn, and connect in ways previously unimaginable.
I am also known as Marcel Mosswood in SL.
https://about.marcellinamaria.my.id
This paper explores the implementation of project-based learning (PBL) in the metaverse for K-12 students, focusing on immersive and interactive educational experiences. The study highlights how virtual environments foster collaboration, creativity, and student engagement by simulating real-world challenges. The findings suggest that PBL in the metaverse can enhance critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and building skills, providing a new dimension to traditional education methods.
Project-based learning (PBL) in the metaverse for K-12 students offers an innovative approach to education, leveraging immersive technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Using a virtual environment, PBL allows students to work on complex, real-world projects in an interactive 3D space, encouraging them to explore, collaborate, and problem-solve in ways that traditional classroom settings may not support.
In this study, my students engage in tasks like designing virtual museums while interacting with peers in a dynamic and visually rich environment. The immersive nature of the metaverse fosters creativity and deepens understanding, as students are able to visualize and manipulate digital objects or environments, making abstract concepts more tangible.
One significant advantage is the metaverse capacity to support collaborative learning. Students can work together on projects in real time, regardless of physical location, which can help them develop communication and teamwork skills. Additionally, the gamified elements often found in metaverse platforms can motivate students by adding an element of fun, increasing their focus and persistence.
Moreover, personalization in the metaverse allows for differentiated learning experiences. Teachers can tailor projects to the needs of individual students or groups, offering scaffolding or additional challenges as necessary. This adaptive learning model can provide more meaningful feedback and enable students to work at their own pace.
In terms of assessment, PBL in the metaverse allows for a more authentic evaluation of student learning. Instead of traditional tests, teachers can assess how students approach complex tasks, how they collaborate, and the innovative solutions they create, offering a more holistic view of student achievement.
Overall, the use of PBL in the metaverse presents a forward-thinking approach to education that prepares students for a rapidly evolving digital world. It encourages the development of critical thinking, creativity, and technological literacy, which are essential skills for the future workforce.
OSCC 2024 Closing, Thanks and Conference Photo
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speakers
-
Cynthia Calongne / Lyr Lobo (Poster Booth #3)OSCC Co-Chair, Professor
Lyr is a Professor at Parker University in Dallas, Texas and a VR researcher. Since 2005, she taught 54 university classes in virtual worlds and mentored 800+ 13-year-old students. Her team won the $25,000 Grand Prize for their space simulation and she received the Thinkerer Award for her passion for virtual world education. She loves OpenSimulator and is proud to be a member of the OSCC Organizing Committee.
https://www.slideshare.net/lyrlobo/presentations
-
Joyce Bettencourt / Rhiannon Chatnoir (Poster Booth #17)AvaCon, Inc., Co-Founder
Joyce Bettencourt is co-founder and Vice President of AvaCon, Inc.(https://avacon.org), a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to promoting the growth, enhancement, and development of the metaverse, virtual worlds, augmented reality and 3D immersive spaces. AvaCon were organizers of 2010 in Boston & 2011 in Oakland Second Life Community Convention, the Federal Consortium of Virtual Worlds virtual workshops, and the ongoing OpenSimulator Community Conference. AvaCon also currently fiscally sponsors the nonprofit community of practice, Nonprofit Commons in Second Life, where Joyce has been a community leader and host of weekly Friday meetings.
In addition, she is Creative Director of The Vesuvius Group (http://thevesuviusgroup.com), a collaborative studio specializing in developing online immersive and social environments for community-building. Joyce is a 2012 graduate of the Singularity University Graduate Studies program, focused on applying exponential technologies to addressing Global Grand Challenges.
Previously she was digital media producer for the Online Leadership Program at the educational nonprofit Global Kids and helped produce digital media learning content including the Second Life Curriculum, many virtual and physical world events, and the social issue game CONSENT! As her avatar Rhiannon Chatnoir, she has organized numerous social good online events, including the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign within the virtual world of Second Life that helped raise awareness and $10,000 USD in virtual micro transactions.
http://about.me/joycebettencourt
Closing thoughts about the conference, thank-you and group photo for presenters, staff and volunteers.
Etheriel Nine dream Pop Rave 2024
Wait! you say. Wasn’t 2023 Etheriel 10? Yeah, I decided to go back a number to capture the year I had Covid. So it is number nine!
The same spiel:
Yes, it will happen again! A fantastic Afterparty for the Open Simulator Community Conference. DJ Strannik Z will be spinning sonic textures and solid beats as well as some ethereal sounds. You will find instructions and links on how to get to the party on this page. This is always a great party, whether you were an attendee who wants to talk about the conference while dancing, or a random new person dropping in for the first time to see what it is all about. Hope to see you there!
Public or Invitation Only: Open to All
Maturity Rating: Appropriate for Mature Audiences (M)
Grid Name: DigiWorldz
HyperGrid Enabled?: Yes
HyperGrid URL: http://login.digiworldz.com:8002:pirates atoll
Region Name: Pirates Atoll
Map Coordinates: 128/128/23
Parcel/Venue Name: Tiki Beach
Check http://piratesatoll.com for more info and updates.
Educator Meet-Up: Spotlight on Educator and User Onboarding
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Kay McLennan (Poster Booth #22)
Kay McLennan is a Professor of Practice at the Tulane University School of Professional Advancement. Kay created the Tulane SoPA Metaverse (newly known as the SoPA Metaversity) and has been creating and using virtual world learning simulations in her online economics and business studies courses since 2008. Kay uses student feedback to continually refine and expand the educational simulations she creates to use in her e-courses. She has written about her creation and use of OpenSimulator-based learning simulations – see “Interactivity, Engagement, and Increased Learning Outcomes in 3D Virtual World Educational Simulations” (@ http://www.editlib.org/p/40849), “Prisoners’ Dilemma” simulation use case example (@ https://sites.google.com/view/the-prisoners-dilemma/home), and “Data Detectives Game” simulation use case example (@ https://sites.google.com/view/data-detectives-game). Also, the video clips from the December 2018 “Mainstreaming Virtual World Learning Colloquium” event – organized by Kay — can be viewed @ https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLctERt0Fl50gLOgYPdfHDE8NcPtuO4wb0.
https://sites.google.com/view/the-prisoners-dilemma/home
https://sites.google.com/view/data-detectives-game
A networking meet-up for educators currently using (or interested in using) learning simulations in virtual worlds and/or other XR platforms. Drop by to visit with colleagues, ask a question, share/locate content, and more! The theme for this year’s Educator Meet-Up is educator and user onboarding (in virtual worlds and other XR platforms).
Be sure to invite your virtual simulation-curious academic colleagues!
To attend this event, you can either Hypergrid into the OSCC grid or register to attend #OSCC24 and get a local account avatar at http://conference.opensimulator.org
Location: OSCC grid, Expo Zone 3
Grid address: http://cc.opensimulator.org:8002
Region Coordinates: Expo Zone 3 (76, 66, 25)
Parcel/Venue Name: Educator Commons Area (Part of the Speaker Poster Booths)
Slum City Tour
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Mike Higgins / Kayaker Magic
After 4 decades of writing code in the Real World, Kayaker Magic has been scripting in virtual worlds since 2008. By taking apart items made by Arcadia Asylum, Kayaker learned a great deal about building vehicles in OpenSim, animating, 3D modeling, UV mapping, texture mapping and efficient mesh. He wants to preserve Arcadia’s work so others can learn these lessons as well.
MikesKayakJournal.net
Join us for a tour of Slum City on the Arcadia Asylum Grid!
Last year we announced the creation of a grid to archive the wonderful creations of Arcadia Asylum where we could make sure she got credit as the creator. Our chief archivist, Ada Radius, has scoured the Metavierse to find the best copies of Arcadia’s creations, including going back to SL for many items. This has taken longer than some expected and the only complete build so far is Slum City. Come join us for a tour of this wonderful creation! Now archived to survive for the next generation of creators to be amazed by and learn from!
We’ll meet someplace convenient in OSCC TBA with a blamgate to help people meet us at the right spot in Slum City.
Local accounts are not allowed in Arcadia Asylum Grid (reserved for volunteers) you must HG in from another grid.
Anything you see in this grid is free and open source, in the creators words:
“YOU CAN NOT RESELL ANYTHING WITH MY NAME ON IT FOR EVEN ONE LINDEN DOLLAR
That said, you may distribute in any way you like, you may use the things anywhere and even blow them to bits if that’s your thing. I only don’t want the stuff sold.”
Grid Name: ArcadiaAsylum.org
Grid Website: https://ArcadiaAsylum.org
HyperGrid Enabled: Yes
HyperGrid URL: http://arcadiaasylum.org:8002/
HyperGrid Region Coordinates: Welcome
Map Coordinates: 145/168/27
Parcel/Venue Name: Slum City
Demolition Derby: Exploration of Physics-Enhanced Games in Opensimulator
Location
- Keynote Auditorium
Speaker
-
Cuga Rajal
Cuga Rajal is an active content creator and assists with OpenSimulator core development. He provides physics engine support and testing, produces unmanaged libraries for Apple/macOS hardware, and developed a process to update Bullet to the latest version 3.25. He leads the DMV at Burn2, the Burning Man regional in Second Life, where he manages scripting and resources for a large collection of “art car” land vehicles, along with cross-grid scripting compatibility.
Drive and crash demolition derby cars as you circle around a fenced track, with a nearby DJ stage and dance floor to watch the action. Deep Playa grid hosts several physics-enabled activities and games that can be played concurrently, including golf, labyrinth, Thunderdome and more. Event schedule as follows:
3:00 – 3:30 Quick Tour of the region, some highlighted activities/builds, technical Q&A
3:30 – 4:00 Game time: Join us at the Derby track or try out some of the other activities
4:00 – 5:00 Games continue; live DJ music at the Derby stage
Map Coordinates: hop://rajal.org:9000/Playa/356/122/26
On your first teleport you will get a link to a web form. Please complete that form and then you can TP during subsequent visits.
Maturity Rating: Appropriate for Mature Audiences (M)
Grid Name: Deep Playa
Grid Website: https://rajal.org/
More Info
Activity involves colliding cars with sound and visual effects. The cars explode after 30 collisions and unseat the avatars. There are no animations or sounds involving harm to avatars. I don’t believe this falls in the definition of violence, but wanted to be clear what is involved. The motif is Mad Max. Not sure if this is G or M rating. There is no adult content.
The date and time are flexible.
Not offering an option to create a local account. Region is HG-friendly. I plan to implement the “Agree to a web form before you can TP” thing.
The Quick Tour will be done in local voice.
Server is a 6-core i7 with 32G RAM, dotnet 8 and recent nosebleed version of the server from trunk on macOS. Grid runs as a standalone hypergrid, region is 8×8.
Gigabit up/down link and has hosted 30 people without a problem.
Host server is in west coast USA so speed and latency will depend on network proximity.
Region will be on ubODE. Although I don’t expect it, if we crash, people should return in 10 minutes and I’ll shut down Derby which in the past has caused the most stress.