Apologies for cross-posting. I am writing to promote a PDW at AOM San Antonio entitled:
A Second Life for Employees: A Workshop on Virtual Worlds in Research and Teaching
Sponsored by the OB, OCIS and HR divisions
Abstract: Online virtual worlds (sometimes called multi-user virtual environments) are becoming increasingly popular alternatives to both traditional instruction and data collection, largely due to the increased fidelity of the interpersonal environment it provides in comparison to traditional online collaboration tools. The purpose of this PDW is to introduce attendees to one such virtual world, Second Life. The tutorial will include demonstrations of several key skills, including setting up an account, establishing one's appearance, interacting with the local community, purchasing and selling, the creation of in-world items for use as learning objects, and giving a slide-based presentation within the virtual environment. The use of virtual worlds as a research platform for understanding employee behavior will be discussed in an open workshop format, along with applications for teaching. Bringing your personal laptop is recommended but not required, pending wireless Internet availability.
No expertise or familiarity with virtual worlds/MUVEs is assumed. This workshop will be targeted at those interested in but completely unfamiliar with virtual worlds (MUVEs). I will be covering a brief history of virtual worlds, a brief review of the capabilities of virtual worlds, a review of some of the current applications of virtual worlds in teaching and research (both as a subject of research and as a tool to conduct research – including virtual research laboratories, teaching interventions, some HR applications we've been working on for selection/assessment, and as a research participant pool), and an in-world demonstration.
If you bring a wifi-enabled laptop, I will guide you through the software needed to accompany me as I travel around the virtual world.
Registration is not required. The session will be held Saturday, August 13 from 1:30PM to 3:30PM in Grand Hyatt Bonham B. If you are interested, I would appreciate an e-mail saying if you will be bringing a laptop and what you would most like covered, but this is not required.
-Richard
---
Richard N. Landers, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Old Dominion University | Mills Godwin Building 346E, Norfolk VA 23529
Main: http://rlanders.net | Blog: http://neoacademic.com | Lab: http://tntlab.org
Tw: @rnlanders | Ph: 757-683-4212 | Fx: 757-683-5087