DFS Week 1 Reflection and Notes

1. In your DFS experience this past week, how many hours did you complete? (1 sentence)

So far, I've completed at least four hours.

2. What did you do in your DFS experience this past week? (2-3 sentences)

I searched for an inspiring mentor that would help me learn what I need, and attended virtual professional development meetings in Virtual Reality. The picture at the head of the post is me, attending the Future of Social Media seminar underwater.

3. REFLECTION

I searched in vain for someone who I would like to mentor me, who had something to offer and who was willing and available during the coronavirus. After several rejection letters I was feeling quite low, when Dr. Buss informed me that I could work with someone that I was familiar with! Many years ago, I worked on a project with Dr. Mary Stokrocki online, and she was so knowledgeable about the very things that I need to learn - art education, virtual worlds and research - that I decided to take a chance that she'd say yes. Having just retired, she agreed! We have set up a time to meet in Second Life over the weekend. She still maintains the Art Ark in Second Life and is running a Sky School in which she mentors students in 3D modeling. I am hoping to work on these projects with her and to talk to her about her experience in conducting art education research in virtual worlds. 

In addition I attended several workshops in Virtual Reality, hosted by the group Educators in VR. The attendees were all educators or researchers, and I'm sure that they will prove to be valuable sources of support and information. There was much discussion about the difficulty in connecting and in conducting research under the present conditions. While there were no real solutions proposed, there were suggestions that ranged from the high-tech (eye movement trackers) to the tried-and-true (surveys and questionnaires.) I felt a sense of presence that was significant, despite attendees from all over the world. This was such an interesting experience that I intend to attend these meetings several times a week. I will post notes and information at the end of each weekly blog post.

Dr. Stokrocki's Research Page

Dr. Stockrocki's ASU Page

VR Researchers Meetup - AltVR - May 19, 2020

It was interesting to hear about innovative ways of gathering data while quarantined! Not applicable to me yet, as I am still working on my data gathering plan. It is great to know that there's a supportive community here when I need them, though!

Video will be uploaded to YouTube.

Educators In VR #2020EdInVR

Educators In VR #2020EdInVR on Twitter

“The VR Researchers meetup in @AltspaceVR is standing room only and so fascinating to see where research is going and how researchers are struggling with research in #SelfIsolation. Much research in influence of #COVID19 & VR. https://t.co/ajliW4e2A8”

#Go Social  - Presentation in AltVR - May 18, 2020

Attended a presentation in Alt VR by Andy Fidel on ways that we use social media and a discussion about uses of VR as a social platform. The event was entirely underwater!

 Very interesting commentary from DR. Perkins (@vrbeliever).