CIS 190 - Virtual Worlds

Revised from the 2007-08 Cornell Courses of Study:

Fall. 3 credits. Prerequisites: none—no programming experience necessary.
This course is a survey covering the technology, design, and application of virtual worlds for education, training, and outreach. Lectures and readings introduce a variety of aspects of computing and information science, including hardware, software, interactive design, usability, social conventions, programming, and security within the context of this new social communication environment. Enrolled students will serve in teams, during lab sessions, as online mentors (no travel required) to middle school students in after-school CYFair (CyberYouthFair) programs. These programs focus on participatory, project-based learning using collaborative virtual world environments and online information tools for data analysis and visualization. Students receive hands-on technology training and practice prior to the 8-week mentoring program. Lab discussions focus on the challenges of using this medium in the context of service learning.

Class sessions include 1) lecture/discussions based on assigned readings; 2) technical design, practice and preparation for mentoring; and 3) live mentoring online with teams of youth at remote sites. Students will be expected to prepare and present periodic (~4) reading responses for the discussions. Each mentoring team will maintain a journal record of preparation for and practice of the CYFair program and use this as a basis for a reflection on their service experience; each student will prepare a final paper and live presentation that integrates the reading and practicum in a critical way. There are no exams connected with this course.

For More Information Contact

Margaret Corbit
mdc7 at cornell.edu
(607)254-8716