Dear Virtual Conference on Counseling Presenters and Attendees
The interest in the conference has been beyond what we imagined, in fact we are concerned that we could face lag at certain times during the conference. Below we will list some suggestions for improving the conference experience for everybody. Please take a look at them and consider them before coming inworld. Please take a moment to read over these items as they will help us all to have a smoother conference
Help
The Conference website is at http://SL.counseloeducation.org Second life quick start guide- This guide addresses many of the basic of functioning in Second life. It can be very handy to print this out and keep in nearby.
http://static-secondlife-com.s3.amazonaws.com/downloads/Second_Life_Quickstart.pdf
We will have minimal help during the conference so it is best if you take some time to familiarize yourself with the basics of Second Life before hand. Should you find yourself in need of assistance head to one of the two help locations (one at the CESL location by the beach, and one near the center the Scholars Island). With two people running the conference at two different locations we cannot provide continuous help, but we are hoping more savvy SL users will come bye for your assistance.
Using voice
Those who made it to the practice sessions know about this….The easiest and most effective way to use voice chat in Second Life is to use either: a headset with earphones and an attached microphone, or to use earphones and a standalone microphone. If you try to use your computers speakers and a microphone you will get feedback between the two and everyone in range in Second life will hear it. If you do not plan on using voice chat but only wish to be able to hear others speaking your computer speaks are fine. If you wish to talk with a conference attendee please do so by using the IM windows for private txt chat. It can get very confusing it there are a few separate conversations going in open chat. Open/Local chat only works if you are within 20 meters of the speaker. Keep open/local chat clear for group discussions or presenters use. Presenters, please remember to check your chat window periodically to see if you have any messages.
Protocol for presentations
For attendees:
1. It is best if you arrive early and find a set and take the seat. Unnecessary movement puts stress on the sim with large gatherings.
2. Please refrain from using voice chat during the presentations. In fact turn off your microphone and let the presenters speak without open mic clutter. I have asked each of the presenters to take regular breaks to open it up for questions. That will be an opportunity for you to open your mic and ask a question. Then they may go back into a closed presentation and open it up again at the end for questions.
3. If you are having problems during the presentation with your audio. Leave and head to a help station, or sit out the presentation and get assistance during the break.
For presenters:
1. Come early and be ready to start on time.
2. Realize that you may a have an ambitious plan but things go at a different pace in SL and you may have to change your process.
3. Give frequent breaks for questions from the audience.
4. Presenters, please notify your attendees if you want to receive questions/comments through voice chat or in IM’s. You are in charge of the communication pattern for your presentation.
5. MOST OF ALL… Please end on time, giving the next presenter and audience a chance to get settled.
Webstream of the conference!!!
John Wilson at http://Onlinevents.co.uk will be streaming the conference for us. We appreciate his willingness provide this service for us.
If you have trouble getting to the conference or problems inworld REMEMBER… You can see the conference through the webstream
Bling, attachments, sparkles, etc.
All of the glitter and bling that you can buy and use in SL puts a demand on the server. Please detach as many HUDs, AO’s and scripted objects as you can (If you do not know what this means, don’t worry, it probably doesn’t apply for you). These items add to lag and any of these items that we can do without during the conference will be appreciated by all.
Traveling from one conference location to another
There are teleport (TP) devices at each conference location. These are gold, round platforms which you will see on the ground. You can click on them to get a list of destinations to select. Once you select a destination, click on the top of the platform, a map will appear and click on the “teleport” button on the map. You will be teleported to the location.
CESL group tag
Make sure that you are in the CESL group and wearing your group tag. If you are not a member of the CESL-Counselor Educators in Second Life group, please join. When in world go to search then click the group tab. Type CESL into the search window, click on the link for CESL and then click the link to view the profile. When the group window opens click “join”. We will be using the group to send notices to all members during the conference. There is also a sign you can click on in the conference center (next to the book kiosk) that will send you a group invite.
Conference updates
Real-time conference updates and information can be read and sent through Twitter – http://twitter.com/ceinsl
We are very excited about the conference and hope that you are also. As this is a new format for many of us a little bit of extra time spent on preparation will go a longer way towards ensuring that the conference will be valuable for all. Please bear with us as we handle flow of this new platform.
Warmly,
Dr. Marty Jencius
aka Kimbo Scribe
Debra London, M.Ed.
aka Debra Hilra
