Hey I Had An Avatar Already
It appears in my previous explorations of Second Life – coupled with my desire to remain anonymous while probably reading some Science Fiction about virtual worlds, and the possibilities of creating something beyond ourselves, not just a digital replica – I created the attached avatar. If memory serves me correct, I was going for proportions that would not naturally exist in nature, and potentially opposite of how I view myself (not an idealized version, just different).
For myself, the development, modification, and up keep of such an entity is a lot of work, and not something I would find enjoyable. However, I can see many students enjoying this, and probably focusing specifically on this. You never know, it might one day make a great art project for Middle Years Kids.
Thoughts?
Posted in: General
Eva Ziemsen 11:08 pm on November 22, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Tom,
Great avatar and response. You might enjoy reading Dr. Sherry Turkle (I’m sure you have already done so), and her research about how people use avatars to express other sides of themselves. Your entry supports her suggestions very well.
I completely agree with you, I do not enjoy the upkeep. In fact, if you see my avatar in the video, you will notice that my skirt and tights are white. This was the default and after fiddling around, I realized that I am not so passionate about the look of my avatar, but much more what I can explore and potentially do in SL.
I think this would be an amazing art project, but I would say that I would not recommend it under 18 years (as that is the new minimum age of SL). Perhaps you can use another VR? Perhaps your students already have avatars?
tomwhyte1 7:41 pm on November 24, 2012 Permalink | Log in to Reply
As for the art project, I agree. There are other avenues – I tried Meez awhile ago – not sure it still exists. However, the value of the avatar might be gaining ground, for our school is exploring the use of Mathletics to assist our more struggling students, and the avatar is now a component on the student side.
Thoughts?