Global Kids Island Newsletter - December 2008

[Rafi Santo]

Hi Everyone,

I've included below the Global Kids Island monthly newsletter, which we distribute in-world on the teen grid.  Hopefully this can give people a sense of things that are happening in that space, and make sure that what happens in the teen grid doesn't just stay in the teen grid.

I've highlight in RED anything that's particularly relevant to parents, educators or residents of the main grid.

Also, if you're an educator or parent that would like to get your teen students involved in GK programs on the teen grid, or have college age students we can work with in our main grid Second Life projects, feel free to mail me off-list. 

best,

Rafi

=== Global Kids Newsletter ===

December, 2008

    Welcome to the monthly Global Kids newsletter!  This is your chance to find out what's happening on the GK Islands and ways you can get involved!  Take a copy, and pass along to your friends. (IM Rafi GKid if you have any questions).

This month, learn about:
   

+++++UPCOMING EVENTS+++++

++Global Kids & Scenarios USA Present Virtual Premiere of 2008 Real Deal Youth Films++

***main grid event***

On Wednesday December 17, starting at 12:30PM PST, Scenarios USA and Global Kids will be hosting the virtual premiere of the three youth-written short films produced by Scenarios on the subject "What's the Real Deal about Masculinity?". Taking place on both the Teen Grid and Main Grid of Second Life, both youth and adult residents will be able to watch excerpts from the three films, listen to a live interview with two of the youth writers, and ask questions about the films.

On GK Machinima Island , Teen Second Life
http://slurl.com/secondlife/GK%20Machinima%20Island/209/123/3

International Justice Center, Second Life

http://slurl.com/secondlife/The%20Justice%20Commons/7/221/29

___________________________________

++ D.I.D.I. Holiday Party! ++

Join us on December 17th at 2pm PST for the D.I.D.I. Holiday Extravaganza!!!  We will be celebrating the winter holidays DIDI Style!  There will be music and merriment, as well as a DIDI showcase "A Year in D.I.D.I." featuring exhibits from all TSL launched DIDI Ventures!  Make sure *to* be at this festive event!

___________________________________

++ December Fireside Workshops! ++

Look for new firesides coming your way during the month of December!

Do you want to see a particular issue addressed during a fireside this month?  If so, IM Rafi Gkid with your idea!

___________________________________

++++RECENT EVENTS++++

++Real World Impacts from the Virtual World++
***Main Grid Event!***
On Monday November 17,  the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the USC Network Culture Project and Global Kids shared a sneak preview of a new Second Life sim that features exhibits that show what the foundation *does* through its programs and grantees.

In the event, attendees learned about how groups use virtual spaces like Second Life to build real opportunities and make a difference -- preserving native peoples' cultures, creating accessible spaces for people with disabilities, helping obese people make healthy life choices and teaching underprivileged youth about paleontology and science.

___________________________________

++DROPPING KNOWLEDGE: How Virtual World Educators Change Lives++

***Main Grid Event!***

On November 17 RezEd sponsored its first in-world mini-conference in Second Life. It featured a panel discussion with leading practitioners and researchers what virtual worlds *mean* for learning, including :

* Lori Bell, Alliance Library System / Info Island
* Ryan Clemmens, Arizona State
* Patty Purcell, Bel Aire Elementary School
* Barry Joseph, Global Kids (moderator)

Read about the event here:

http://www.holymeatballs.org/2008/11/rezeds_first_virtual_world_edu.html

___________________________________

++ A Chain Of Reactions: Africa's Health Care ++

Program Intern Victoria Hanfoi run an important workshop this month about health in Africa, looking beyond the HIV/AIDS issue and into less known but equally important health issues like malaria, cholera and malnutrition.  Look for the blog post on Holymeatballs.org soon!

___________________________________

To keep up-to-date on Global Kids, join our group "Global Kids Allies" for free. You can also learn more at our blog, http://www.holymeatballs.org, subscribe to our Twitter feed at www.Twitter.com/Holymeatballs,  or IM Bhikku Beeks in-world.

-- 

Rafi Santo

Senior Program Associate
Online Leadership Program
Global Kids

http://www.globalkids.org/?id=5
http://olp.globalkids.org

Sign-up for the Global Kids' Virtual Worlds Update Newsletter:

http://groups.google.com/group/GKVirtualWorldUpdate