Classes - Whatdya Think?

I thought it might be useful to start a feedback thread for classes.

I'd suggest NOT using names of instructors for negative feedback. All instructors work hard and lawd knows we all put up with enough constructive criticism in real life. IMs are useful tools . Also, instructors are in a group; if you have serious issue with the quality of an instructor's instructing, maybe contact somebody in that group and ask how to deliver your thoughts.

So...how are classes treating you? Times right? More/less of them? More basics, more advanced, more concept-specific, more general? More instructors? Things that are particularly effective?

I've been playing for about a week now, and all of the classes I have attended (two total) have been very helpful. I am hoping to try out some of the advanced classes soon

I like the idea of classes, but I think the reality falls somewhat short.

I've posted elsewhere in the forum about the problem of people being disruptive in class. I don't expect there's a simple solution for that.

The other problem is that chat is a less-than-optimal medium for conducting a class. It takes a long time to type a useful explanation. One approach that might be cool would be for SL to implement, under very strict controls, voice communication. The Lindens would enable voice for just the instructor, no one else, and just for the duration of the class. The instructor could then lecture much more fluently. Students could ask questions via traditional chat.

Of course, this would mean that transcripts wouldn't be readily available. I don't know how big of an issue that would be to most people; I've seen only one class transcript posted to the forums, so I don't know how many people are interested in transcripts.

Another idea: give assigned readings beforehand. Have students read some part of the PDFs downloadable from the website before attending class. That would allow the instructor to assume a certain baseline level of knowledge. And students could ask questions about what they've read.

A couple people were being disruptive yesterday when I filled in for Dan. Luckily this shouldn't be much of a problem with the new .6 features.

I also agree with the way typing can handicap a teacher. Maybe we could have classes using teamspeak?

I got a lot out of the classes and still do, especially the building stuff. I still need to learn more about linking, positioning (using the coordinates) and how to use the grid but I realize that the basics are more important to beginners, maybe an advanced building class as part of or separate from the regular scheduled class would draw some interest?


Peter


PS: Ditto on the disruptions

The first classes i've attended were very helpful since i knew so little, but now i'm getting picky. =)

I think i've seen an advanced building class, but i may have mistaken it for scripting or vice versa....anyway, i would like to see more of that myself - i have no idea how the grid is used and would like to learn more about it.

I know i've talked to you Tcoz about doing stuff in PSP to get better effects in the game, but this lies outside the game itself and not everyone is guaranteed to be using the same tools. If you're still up to that kind of class or tutorial - you think you'll end up doing something like tha guy who did the Gimp tutorial?

BTW about the typing - has it been discussed about using voice-audio in game? Are there too many technical problems related to doing this? Just curious.

Zeb

TeamSpeak is an emerging standard for in-game audio chat. Lots of people use it, and as I understand it, it's free. In fact I have to set it up myself.

The problem with using it in classes is everybody needs to be on board with the right hardware and so on. This can be challenging in random gatherings of people (like classes), especially if they're "intro" classes, which are filled with new players. To ensure communication with everybody, you have to type, it's the lowest common denominator. This'd be true even if the capability was integrated...people wouldn't have headsets and so on. If only one person is not equipped, the instructor has to type it all out.

But yah if you can get a group that has the right hardware and is willing to deal with technical issues should any arise, that's supah.

Fixed misnomer sorry.

its so nice he said it twice

If you guys have any specific problems (griefing or whatever), make sure to inform a Linden, particularly myself or Dan since we are the ones in charge of setting up the classes.
Thanks Tcoz for setting up the thread - a good idea.

ave

I hear some want an Advanced Building Class. Would you want something like "how to build a house" or rather "go through every tool and explain what it does"?


Also, If you feel you are being harrased by another resident, you will find a "Report Abuse..." option in the Help menu of SL. Harrasment is defined in the Community Standards

behave or i'll crush you like a grape.

It would be great to see an actual demonstration of how the tools are used. I would get a lot more out of watching someone demonstrate advanced techniques than to actually participate. During the demonstration, participants should be allowed to ask questions about the technique being used and anything that is not understood. Perhaps a trial session would show if any other players are interested. I had planned to ask someone to assist me personally to understand the tools better and I still plan to do that but if others show an interest as well, why not try a class. It's hard to tell by this forum how many players would benefit because I don't think everyone reads the forums.

See Yah
Peter

bump
* bump *

Ya know, I don't know how to bump a post. So I'll just try this
and say "bump".

When I teach the intro to building, I tell the attendees that the class will not make you a master builder, only experimenting with the tools to see how to get them to work for you will.

I try to cover all the options in the creation window so that everyone is aware of what the tools are, and how they manipulate the primitives. As Dan said I, "go through every tool and explain what it does". Maybe we can incorporate the building of a specific object into the lesson that uses all of the tools.

A step by step "paint by numbers" object to help better demonstrate the ability of the tools might make a nice addition. Some bizarre, fun creation that uses the majority of the tools.

And oh, all the attendees I have had have all been great.


fen-