University of Washington: Certificate Program in Virtual Worlds

The University of Washington’s Information School, in partnership with University of Washington Educational Outreach, is excited to announce the start of a new certificate program in Virtual Worlds. The program is a series of three consecutive courses, each 10 weeks and 3 credits, the first of which begins on January 8th, 2009.

The classes will all meet weekly on Thursday evenings from 6-9pm SLT (PT). Students will participate synchronously in virtual environments. The first class session meets in Second Life; students will also have the opportunity to explore different Virtual Worlds platforms in use in educational and business domains. Classes will include a combination of experiences including lecture, guest speakers, “field trips”, and hands-on interactive activities. Each course includes a unique focus on different facets of the implementation and use of virtual environments, and each successive course builds on the concepts of the previous. The program objectives include both practical application of virtual worlds and an increased academic insight. Non-matriculated students who successfully complete the three consecutive courses will receive a UWEO Certificate in Virtual Worlds.

For additional information or to register: http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_gen.asp

Or contact:
Kristi Palmer
Program Manager, Academic Programs
University of Washington Educational Outreach
206.221.0299
kpalmer@EXTN.washington.edu<


Program information:

The courses in this program will combine enrollments of working professionals and matriculated graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Washington’s Information School.

Admission requirements:
Participation in the program is restricted to students who have
a) completed at least one year of college- or university-level study,
b) attained computer literacy and are able to download and install software from a website,
c) experience in the use of basic internet applications (e.g., e-mail, web browsers and search) and computer operating systems (e.g., Windows, Mac OS, and Linux), and
d) a valid e-mail account for the duration of the program.

English Proficiency:
Students who are non-native English speakers are expected to have adequate English language proficiency.

Recommended Second Life skills include:
In order to gain the most value from your initial experiences in the virtual classroom, we recommend that you establish a Second Life account, create an avatar, and become familiar with some basic skills in Second Life, including:
* Use of camera controls
* Ability to edit avatar appearance
* Ability to comfortably walk, fly, and teleport
* Ability to use Second Life communication tools including IM, text chat, and voice chat

System requirements:
For general guidelines on system requirements, see http://secondlife.com/corporate/sysreqs.php
This program will rely on in-world voice chat; a headset with microphone is required for voice/audio participation.

Course information:
Following is basic course schedule information. For more information about individual course content, please visit http://extension.washington.edu/ext/certificates/vir/vir_crs.asp

Selecting and Using Virtual Worlds
Winter Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions)
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT,
Jan. 8-March 12, 2009,
$789.
3 credits.
Reg # 97795
Instructor: Randy Hinrichs

Designing and Building Virtual Worlds
Spring Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions)
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT,
April 2-June 4, 2009,
$789.
3 credits.
Reg #97796
Instructor: Janice Cowsert

Virtual Worlds Interactivity and Metrics
Summer Quarter Schedule: (10 sessions)
Thursdays, 6-9 p.m. SLT,
June 25-August 27, 2009,
$789.
3 credits.
Reg. #97797
Instructor: Randy Hinrichs