http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ A search of MERLOT materials Copyright 1997-2013 MERLOT. All rights reserved. Fri, 24 May 2013 03:49:35 PDT Fri, 24 May 2013 03:49:35 PDT http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/images/merlot.gif http://www.merlot.org:80/merlot/ 44 34 http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=378675 Informal science is a burgeoning field that operates across a broad range of venues and envisages learning outcomes for individuals, schools, families, and society. The evidence base that describes informal science, its promise, and effects is informed by a range of disciplines and perspectives, including field-based research, visitor studies, and psychological and anthropological studies of learning.Learning Science in Informal Environments draws together disparate literatures, synthesizes the state of knowledge, and articulates a common framework for the next generation of research on learning science in informal environments across a life span. Contributors include recognized experts in a range of disciplines--research and evaluation, exhibit designers, program developers, and educators. They also have experience in a range of settings--museums, after-school programs, science and technology centers, media enterprises, aquariums, zoos, state parks, and botanical gardens.Learning Science in Informal Environments is an invaluable guide for program and exhibit designers, evaluators, staff of science-rich informal learning institutions and community-based organizations, scientists interested in educational outreach, federal science agency education staff, and K-12 science educators. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=335542 Features updates on all chapters from the first edition and the addition of 4 new chapters (on Mobile Learning, Social Software, Distance Education Philosophy and Financial Decision Making). http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=511696 This free textbook introduces virtual worlds in general and Second Life in particular. It covers a range of topics ranging from basic movement and building techniques to some theories on virtual identities. Contents: 1) Introduction. 2) First Steps in Second Life. 3) Building your own world - 3D model creation in Second Life. 4) Who are you? Identities, trust and interaction in virtual environments. 5) Code is Law - Rules, laws and boundaries of the game. 6) Economy: Business, micro-entrepreneurship, advertising. 7) Second Life as teaching and learning space. 8) Risks and opportunities of in-world engagements. 9) Politics & campaigning. 10) Media in Second Life: In-world media, Reporting about Second Life. 11) Building your own world II. 12) Literature. 13) Shortcuts. http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=563262 ״Video games are a complex medium that merits careful interpretation and insightful analysis. This book is full of in-depth close readings of video games that parse out the various meanings to be found in the experience of playing a game. The goal is to help develop and define a literacy of games as well as a sense of their value as an experience.״