2. Video and Comic

Objective:

To create an informative video that can be viewed on and offline, passed by email, and embedded in blogs and course management systems as a way to inform people about the project and motivate them to take a look for themselves. The video will include moving images of the building process and an audio track that includes: interviews with the researcher and architect who devised the birthing unit; the Second Life developers and their process of building it; and the lead educator and her thoughts on how the virtual unit would be used in someone’s course of study, and where the development will be heading.

Sarah: I think this is never going to fit into a 5 minute video. What about 2 videos: how the unit was built, and, principles of birth unit design

Leigh: Maybe 10 minutes then. I think we will know for sure once we have the audio. Better to be one video.

Here’s an example of a short documentary that is like an infomercial for SL:

Learning Objectives:

• demonstrate an understanding of significance of concepts of accountability, responsibility and independent practice as they relate to midwifery practice in New Zealand;
• critically reflect on meaning and knowledge embedded in practice in development of midwifery role;
• demonstrate an understanding of the role of the midwife in the normal childbirth process.

The learning activity:

The video is made available on Youtube, Blip.tv, Internet Archive, Polytechnic websites and learning management systems. It is also on DVD, Data CD and USB Flashdrive. An audio only, and comic strip version-for-print is also available.

Here is an example of a comic strip made from Second Life:

Creating comics with SecondLife & ComicLife By Steven Parker

Staff and students receive and watch the video, either through email notification, through a colleagues blog, on the LMS or from the CD. Those without such access receive the print and/or audio version.

The video references orientation resources such as “how to start using Second Life” and “what sort of computer and Internet connection do I need”.

A meeting date is set for people to arrive and meet at the virtual birthing unit for an official launch and orientation. Footage from this event is recorded and later added to the video afterwards.

Specific requirements

1. A finished build of the virtual birthing unit and the objects and information needed in it.
2. Video footage of the building process with audio interviews
   
1. 3 minutes of video of the construction process in 3 stages from plans, walls and objects, and textures and notes
   
2. 5 minutes of discussion/interviews with architect, SL developer, Debs research, Sarah edu designs
3. 2 minutes of finished build and with avatars in there
   
3. An edited 5 - 10 minute documentary combining the audio and the video into a “infomercial” for the virtual birthing unit.
4. An audio track only version for slowband access.
5. A comic strip print version for offline use.
6. Links to existing “how-to” resources for access and using SL.
7. A date for the virtual birthing unit launch (see Learning design 3).