Gamification the not so Second Life, for me...

Over the past two weeks, I have been struggling to learn Second Life, (SL) a gaming platform that has educational, workshop, concerts and lecture components.

SL is virtual world that has virtual places that you can go and have a vacation, virtual amusement parks, zoo and nightlife that one can only imagine... in fact, the only thing that holds a person back in second life is their imagination. One can live on the wild side with creative opportunities of role-play. Be someone else, as you do not have to identify who you are. SL has its own currency called Lindens and a commerce of which you can purchase virtual property, courses, clothing and so forth. Speaking of buying clothes, I now have an Avatar a virtual me who appears nothing like me, when I get tired of what I look like I can change my appearance like Jeckel and Hyde.

Perhaps for someone like my personality, this is a bit of a stretch or it might be that I do not have a mind for this type of learning platform; however, the millennials will be the clients of choice where they can come to class in a virtual learning system. Frankly, I find it difficult to understand this genre, as I am not a gamer; although I consider myself technically well informed and can generally find my way through new programs quite easily.

The challenge I find with SL is its complicated and has quite a steep learning curve if your not being supported by mentors or have a strong tutorial that promotes the ease of learning. SL is however a great social network program for those who are like minded and are prepared to invest in a “Second Life” online virtual friends who aren’t who they say they are or are they?

Second Life does not float my boat, at least in this stage of my life although I am a strong advocate for online learning formal and informal, I just do not understand this gaming platform but am curious to really know the people that do. Just my thoughts… the journey to learn and understand gamification continues...

The Not So New World of Learning

Remembering years ago when I was in grade school learning at home from a computer was as good as living your life through a science fiction movie. Today however we are there... learning through the exchange of data seamlessly and invisibly whirling through the air to our wireless devices…. How far the world has come in such a short time.

The Little Stuff

This is a wonderful piece that is sung by Marlo Thomas.
I am not certain as to who wrote the lyrics, but suspect that it might just be her too...
whether your working with children or adult, it's really the little stuff that counts.

The Little Stuff

It’s the little stuff, that can make you feel,
kind of thankful, deep in side
Just the little stuff, like a hand you hold,
when you, cross a street, that’s wide.
When a persons there, and their listening,
to the things you did, and found.
Or their coming home, and they lift you up,
and they twirl you, round and round.

It’s the little stuff, like a snuggling place,
when theirs thunder, that’s too loud
Just the little stuff, like a friendly face,
when you’re squished, inside a crowd
such a tiny thing, but a shiny thing,
cause it make your heart, just sing
it’s the little stuff, it’s the little stuff,
and the little stuff, is everything.

Peace

A long winter day
The evening star appeared
Called a young man home
LR2008

Spring At Last

In my winter shoes
Journey's path unknown
Soft warm sand awaits

LR, 2008

Enjoy the Ride

The secret of life is enjoying the passing of time... James Taylor.

Taylor's song resonates the need to embrace the now, to relax, not to take life as serious as we do...to harness the unfolding fears of life and move through them with love, at the same time try to make sense of the unfolding journey.

Personal experiences are separate and apart in meaning with others...we can strive to understand our personal journey, perhaps not so much others. "Try not to try to hard, it's just a lovely ride..."

Secret O Life

The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time
Any fool can do it
There ain't nothing to it
Nobody knows how we got to The top of the hill
But since we're on our way down
We might as well enjoy the ride
The secret of love is in opening up your heart
It's okay to feel afraid
But don't let that stand in your way no
Cause anyone knows that love is the only road
And since we're only here for a while yeah
Might as well show some style
Give us a smile now
Isn't it a lovely ride
Sliding down
And gliding down
Try not to try too hard
It's just a lovely ride
Now the thing about time is that time
Isn't really real
It's all on your point of view
How does it feel for you
Einstein said that he could never understand it all
Planets spinning through space
The smile upon your face
Welcome to the human race
Isn't that a lovely ride
Sliding down, Gliding down
Try not to try too hard
It's just a lovely ride
Isn't that a lovely ride
Oh mama yes
See me sliding down
And gliding down
Try not to try too hard
It's just a lovely ride
Now the secret of life is enjoying the passage of time

Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont

Last evening I watched Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, a great show that brought back memories of my youth.Joan Plowright, who portraits the wonderful Mrs. Palfrey, is an elegant grandmother in this consummate role of a widow retiring to the Hotel Claremont.

Not wanting to be a burden on her family, she displays independence at the same time longs for a relationship with her grandson. This grandmotherly role retrieves many memories from my youth as I had many Mrs Palfrey’s in my young life. However, this is not the first time Plowright has sparked my emotions, her 1993 role as the kind benevolent neighbour Mrs. Wilson, in Dennis the Menace I became aware of this talented women.

Plowrights stately character in Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont, reminded me of an old friend I had as a young boy.

My friend Tabby was that kind old grandmother type who knew how to keep a child busy and out of trouble. I spent much time visiting her doing odd jobs for her, then after the work was completed, being invited for tea and cookies or perhaps a coffee cake. The table set in a fashion for high tea was inviting. I would sit contently and listen to the tales of the past, challenging lives, stories of lives lived, war years and personal experiences. An informal history class, real stories. In an interesting light, Plowrights latest quest is “Brontë”, her Character name, “ Tabby”. I wonder...might here character by like my Tabby, time will tell... looking forward to her work.