Dave White

Title	Teaser
Open Habitat Introduction	Between November 2006 and October 2007 I had the pleasure of being involved in a number of interesting discussions about Multi-User Virtual Environments (MUVEs), an online 3D environment in which individuals can interact via human-looking avatars.
What is 'Eventedness'?	This is a slidecast of a talk given by David White at the CETIS-Eduserv Virtual Worlds 2009 event held in Glasgow. David outlines some of the challenges in thinking about virtual worlds and explains the concept of ‘Eventedness’ which emerged from the Open Habitat project.
The Role of 'Fun' in Higher Education?	This short video from the project was designed to kick start a debate around teaching in MUVEs and the role of 'fun' in higher education. It was used as part of a JISC funded ‘benefits and realisation’ discussion event hosted by Helen Keegan and Francis Bell for Salford university.
Video Summary of the First Phase of Piloting Activity	This is a 2 minute video gives a good sense of what was actually involved in our piloting with the art and design undergrads at Leeds Metropolitan University and the distance philosophy students based out of the University of Oxford. http://blip.tv/file/1208348
From Swords to Hairstyles: Bridging the Divide Between Massively Multiplayer Game Design and Second Life	‘From Swords to Hairstyles: Bridging the Divide Between Massively Multiplayer Game Design and Second Life’
Learning from the Games Designers (2)	A summary of the Open Habitat presentation given at the JISC Next Generation Environments conference. David White, April 2008. Introduction
Open Habitat Evaluation Report	This is an evaluation of our reseach methodologies and detailed description of the piloting process. This report is usful to read if you want to know what worked and what didn't work in project terms. Awating link to evaluation report.
Open Habitat Final Report	This is the ‘official’ report which rounds-up the Open Habitat project. It contains sections such as, methodology, implementation, recommendations and implications. It’s a useful report if you are looking for details. If however you are looking to get more of a ‘feel’ for the overall project then try the Open Habitat magazine.
That was an interesting experience!	As the piloting activity of the Open Habitat project draws to a close it’s time to gather out data and our thoughts and consider what it all might mean. We have plenty of evidence that MUVEs are a useful for teaching and learning and much guidance and direction to give to teaching practitioners considering taking the plunge. We also have, I think, an overarching message from the project: “Teaching and learning in virtual worlds is an experience.” I’m not trying to be facetious or flippant I mean it in the true sense of the term.
Learning from the Games Designers (1)	The designers of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games face a significant educational challenge. They need to efficiently and subtly teach new players how to use their game. This involves teaching players about the environment and the interface whist keeping them motivated and drawing them into the challenges of the game itself. This is situated learning in which the games designer is the ‘master’ and the player is the ‘apprentice’.

Dave White

Voice from Open Habitat