Class #12, Step 9: FINAL PROJECT: ADDING 10 NEW CONTENT ELEMENTS TO MY IMMERSIVE LIBRARY

I opted to use the same display technique within my library as I did for the origanly PDFs, an external webpage.  It's just far easier to manage and it really helps reduce the rendering time and server load.

Nothing too fancy here.  Just the basic functionality and simple design. 

Organizing the media files is a chore.

Class #12: Step 9 - Reference

PDF

1.)  Training_and_learning_for_crisis_management_using_a_virtual_simulation_gaming_environment

2.)  Our Princess Isin Another Castle:  A review of Trends inSerious Gaming for Education

3.)  TangibleCollaborative Learning with a Mixed-Reality Game:  EarthShake

4.)  Using MotionSensing for Learning:  A SeriousNutrition Game

5.)  Collaboration,Engagement & Fun: How Youth Preferences in Video Gaming can Inform 21stCentury Education

Videos

1.)  The Gaming ofEducation

2.)  School teacherAnanth Pai Brings Video Games to the Classroom

3.)  Getting SeriousGames into the K-16 Classroom

4.)  Jane McGonigal:Gaming can make a better world

5.)  The Case forCyber-physical and Embedded Systems Education

Class #12: FINAL PROJECT: ADDING 5 PDF PAPERS TO MY IMMERSIVE LIBRARY

I decided to compress this addition to my Virtual Library by embedding all five PDFs to an external Webpage and then bringing the one page in.  I believe this will help with overall rendering and reducing server load. This is a very rough cut, and I simply used a blog entry.  I have better ideas for implementing this for the final product.

Adding the finishing touches on my "PDF Console."

Attempting to make my own webpage for the links in HTML.  Had problems with my host client, so this has been sidetracked for the time being.

Saving the articles that I was able to access as PDFs.

Attempting to organize all the documents we're dealing with for this final.

Class #12: Step 8 -Reference

1.)   Combining_modeling_and_gaming_for_predictive_analytics

2.)          Measuring_learning_in_serious_games-a_case_study_with_structural_assessment

3.) More_Than_Just_Fun_and_Games-The_Longitudinal_Relationships_Between_Strategic_Video_Games_Self-Reported_Problem_Solving Skills_and_Academic_Grades 4.)  Practicality_in_Virtuality_Finding_Student_Meaning_in_Video_Game_Education

5.) Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions of Using Video Games to Enhance Science Instruction

Class #12: FINAL PROJECT: TESTING MY FELLOW CLASSMATES' IMMERSIVE LIBRARIES

Amanda:

This depicts my visit to Amanda's virtual library.  The first and last screenshots were taken to give an overview of the layout.  The second and third screenshots show me testing how her webpages and videos were implemented.

Jeff:

This depicts my visit to Jeff's virtual library.  The first screenshot is of his "PDF Room."  The second shot is proof that his videos work.  The last two screenshots provide an overview of Jeff's unique layout..

Diana:

This depicts my visit to Diana's virtual library.  The first two screenshots show the rendering process within her world.  It took a little longer than some of the other worlds.  The last two screenshots confirm that her videos and PDFs work as intended.

Final Project: Hands on with Meshmoon Lead Developer Jonne Nauha

While I was working on my Immersive Library yesterday I had a run in with Jonne Nauha, the lead Developer for Meshmoon.  He just dropped into my world after I made it public for the class.  He was pumped that we were using his program for our class.  He even wrote me the script for clickable images, as well as acknowledging that they had a long way to go with the build tools.  I don't know that we even require clickable images at this point, but it was cool to get stuff hands on.  The only disconnect is that he put the script directly into my Scene Storage.  I'm not totally sure how to make it work for everyone else.

Download the script here:  https://wfs.bc.edu:443/langonea/click-open-url.js
(You'll have to download it to your desktop and then upload to your scene storage within Rocket Client.)

Below are some shots of my interaction with him, some useful extracts, and the full transcript for anyone interested.

This shot shows some of the windows that he was talking me through regarding the script (see excerpt below)

Useful Extracts:

Enabling the Script for Clickable images...

[13:24:45] JonneNauha ok man

[13:24:48] open your storage

[13:24:59] AndrewLangone k

[13:25:06] JonneNauha go to script folder

[13:25:18] right click on my script and open in text editor

[13:25:40] AndrewLangone k

[13:25:49] JonneNauha i left comments in there so you understand whats going on

[13:25:57] AndrewLangone awesome thanks.

[13:26:05] JonneNauha i put it to the frame in front of me

[13:26:09] left mouse click on it

[13:26:16] you should get this notification on top

[13:26:23] click allow

[13:26:41] this is what you more or less wanted?

[13:27:05] now, you want to copy this same script to the other frames

[13:27:10] AndrewLangone yes totally

[13:27:16] JonneNauha hit shift+E

[13:27:29] you get entity component editor window

[13:27:34] AndrewLangone k

[13:27:46] JonneNauha now click on the frame in front

[13:28:05] mouse select the "Script" component

[13:28:10] AndrewLangone k i'm using the tattoo one

[13:28:25] JonneNauha yeah, but we need to copy the script component first

[13:28:29] and paste it to other frames

[13:28:36] AndrewLangone oh ok

[13:28:45] JonneNauha so click this one, righty click on "Script" -> Copy

[13:29:00] AndrewLangone k

[13:29:00] JonneNauha then click on your other frame and right click -> paste

[13:29:05] or you can use ctrl+c/v

[13:30:02] AndrewLangone ha oops

[13:30:05] it worked though

[13:30:06] JonneNauha seems to work

[13:30:08] yeh

[13:30:21] the user interface is kind of weird

[13:30:26] AndrewLangone the warning repeats until i cancel it

[13:30:30] JonneNauha but, we need user autorization

[13:30:43] AndrewLangone underestoof

[13:30:44] understood

[13:30:49] JonneNauha well it does not ignore duplicates right now :)

[13:30:52] if you click many times

[13:31:00] i will fix that for next release

Some more regarding script installation...

[13:33:13] AndrewLangone ok great

[13:33:16] thanks so much

[13:33:21] JonneNauha no problem :D

[13:33:28] one more thing

[13:33:40] you can download that script from storage

[13:33:43] right click -> download

[13:34:01] you can give it to other people, they can upload it also to their own storage

[13:34:14] and they need to manually create the EC_Script component

[13:34:19] setup it like you had it

[13:34:31] it gets a bit involved but i think this is good school assignment

[13:34:37] maybe you can tell you professor :)

[13:34:44] to make it homework or something

[13:34:52] how to setup a meshmoon script to a frame :)

[13:34:55] dunno

[13:34:57] AndrewLangone alright cool

[13:35:02] He'll go nuts over this

[13:35:09] JonneNauha heh

[13:35:12] AndrewLangone the fact that you helped me will be huge haha

[13:35:20] JonneNauha tell him too to contact me if anything comes up

[13:35:25] questions etc.

[13:35:26] AndrewLangone sure thing

Full Transcript:

[12:55:13] JonneNauha hi :) [12:55:28] I'm the lead developer at Meshmoon [12:55:31] AndrewLangone Hello [12:55:35] JonneNauha dont be alarmed :) [12:55:43] AndrewLangone I'm not. I recognized your name [12:55:49] JonneNauha oh ok [12:55:53] cool world [12:56:09] AndrewLangone It's part of a class I'm taking at Boston College [12:56:30] JonneNauha oh right, yeah [12:56:34] what course is it? [12:56:35] AndrewLangone you'll probably notice about 20 "Immersive Libraries" popping up [12:56:42] 3D/Virtual Reality [12:57:23] JonneNauha cool that you use our system [12:57:30] we are a small shop in Finland :) [12:57:39] AndrewLangone still trying to get the hang of it lol [12:57:56] JonneNauha we have a long way in terms of these build tools etc. [12:58:04] compared to opensim/second life and others [12:58:10] but we are getting there [12:58:15] AndrewLangone it's still pretty powerful from the little exposure I have. [12:58:24] JonneNauha lots of basic things are still too hard to accomplish [12:58:28] AndrewLangone I'm working on trying to get Blender stuff imported [12:59:00] JonneNauha did you get the blender exporter installed [12:59:06] blender2ogre [12:59:12] AndrewLangone OGRE? yeah [12:59:24] JonneNauha i think if you use the latest blender you have to use the .zip installers [12:59:34] which kind of sucks, lot more manual tweaking [12:59:35] AndrewLangone I still get errors trying to bring the txml in [12:59:39] JonneNauha to get the plugin working [12:59:41] AndrewLangone ah ok, maybe thats it [13:00:05] JonneNauha could you zip the txml and assets and send to my email? [13:00:08] i could check it out [13:00:12] what is the error? [13:00:17] anything sensible [13:00:45] AndrewLangone It's basically a desert scene i pulled from an online repository.. so it could broken in itself [13:01:03] JonneNauha did you use the .exe installer for the plugin? [13:01:29] AndrewLangone likely. [13:01:39] JonneNauha ok i think that version wont work with latest blender [13:01:39] AndrewLangone I'm not super savvy with this kind of stuff [13:01:50] JonneNauha https://code.google.com/p/blender2ogre/downloads/list [13:01:57] i recond you need the 0.6.0 version [13:02:00] recon [13:02:18] i dont develop that plugin myself, but my tutorial video points to the .msi installer :) [13:02:54] but god damn you raise some good points :P [13:02:59] AndrewLangone OK that is the blender2ogre I have [13:03:04] JonneNauha we need to make more detailed info how to install this stuff [13:03:07] ok good [13:03:11] AndrewLangone yeah for us noobs [13:03:21] JonneNauha well, for everyone :) [13:03:34] AndrewLangone My class spent a week trying to figure out how to make clickable images. only to find out that it's not enabled or something [13:03:50] The professor knew.. he just wanted us to figure it out [13:04:01] JonneNauha ok oh [13:04:09] well actually... i just implemented that you can do it :) [13:04:15] if you want to suprise your professor [13:04:25] i can write you a script to your storage [13:04:28] :D [13:04:36] AndrewLangone do tell! [13:05:40] JonneNauha ill make you a template script [13:05:41] a sec [13:06:00] jochen logged in [13:06:21] did you update to 2.5.2.1 rocket? [13:06:29] you can see from the titlebar [13:06:31] AndrewLangone yes [13:09:04] jochen good evening, I am just looking whats new [13:09:24] AndrewLangone Not much. You're standing inside my final project haha [13:09:44] jochen yes just inside [13:09:56] JonneNauha hi [13:10:08] hi jochen :) [13:10:16] jochen Hi Jonne [13:11:30] is that art? [13:11:42] JonneNauha you dog and tattoo Andrew? [13:11:56] AndrewLangone yes my ink and dog [13:12:22] and the monkey head is just experimental. [13:12:31] using this space to test functionaility [13:14:01] JonneNauha sec i need to relogin [13:14:06] ill finish your script :) [13:14:08] JonneNauha logged out [13:14:39] JonneNauha logged in [13:14:58] jochen nice work! Have a good evening! [13:15:06] AndrewLangone thanks! take care [13:15:06] JonneNauha yeh [13:15:10] jochen logged out [13:19:17] ok dude [13:19:27] you want to open the image that is in the frame in web browser? [13:19:35] with the ones you have image in [13:20:18] AndrewLangone basically, he wanted us to be able click on the image and have it open an external browser [13:22:09] similar to how this functions with a browser [13:24:45] JonneNauha ok man [13:24:48] open your storage [13:24:59] AndrewLangone k [13:25:06] JonneNauha go to script folder [13:25:18] right click on my script and open in text editor [13:25:40] AndrewLangone k [13:25:49] JonneNauha i left comments in there so you understand whats going on [13:25:57] AndrewLangone awesome thanks. [13:26:05] JonneNauha i put it to the frame in front of me [13:26:09] left mouse click on it [13:26:16] you should get this notification on top [13:26:23] click allow [13:26:41] this is what you more or less wanted? [13:27:05] now, you want to copy this same script to the other frames [13:27:10] AndrewLangone yes totally [13:27:16] JonneNauha hit shift+E [13:27:29] you get entity component editor window [13:27:34] AndrewLangone k [13:27:46] JonneNauha now click on the frame in front [13:28:05] mouse select the "Script" component [13:28:10] AndrewLangone k i'm using the tattoo one [13:28:25] JonneNauha yeah, but we need to copy the script component first [13:28:29] and paste it to other frames [13:28:36] AndrewLangone oh ok [13:28:45] JonneNauha so click this one, righty click on "Script" -> Copy [13:29:00] AndrewLangone k [13:29:00] JonneNauha then click on your other frame and right click -> paste [13:29:05] or you can use ctrl+c/v [13:30:02] AndrewLangone ha oops [13:30:05] it worked though [13:30:06] JonneNauha seems to work [13:30:08] yeh [13:30:21] the user interface is kind of weird [13:30:26] AndrewLangone the warning repeats until i cancel it [13:30:30] JonneNauha but, we need user autorization [13:30:43] AndrewLangone underestoof [13:30:44] understood [13:30:49] JonneNauha well it does not ignore duplicates right now :) [13:30:52] if you click many times [13:31:00] i will fix that for next release [13:31:10] AndrewLangone yeah i got a bunch of the same browser window. but it's totally fine [13:31:16] JonneNauha please share the documented script with your class :) [13:31:20] AndrewLangone will do [13:31:27] will this work similarly with pdfs? [13:31:41] JonneNauha hmm not sure [13:31:48] we convert PDF to single images [13:31:53] do you have one here? [13:32:00] AndrewLangone not yet [13:32:10] i'm getting ahead of myself here [13:32:23] JonneNauha send me a mail once its here i can check it out [13:32:32] we can detect the type, but i think the original pdf url is not anywhere [13:32:35] AndrewLangone whats your email? [13:32:44] JonneNauha BUT i can make the script detect it from another attribute [13:32:50] then you can put anything you want there [13:33:03] jonne@adminotech.com [13:33:07] or just send support email [13:33:09] i read those [13:33:13] AndrewLangone ok great [13:33:16] thanks so much [13:33:21] JonneNauha no problem :D [13:33:28] one more thing [13:33:40] you can download that script from storage [13:33:43] right click -> download [13:34:01] you can give it to other people, they can upload it also to their own storage [13:34:14] and they need to manually create the EC_Script component [13:34:19] setup it like you had it [13:34:31] it gets a bit involved but i think this is good school assignment [13:34:37] maybe you can tell you professor :) [13:34:44] to make it homework or something [13:34:52] how to setup a meshmoon script to a frame :) [13:34:55] dunno [13:34:57] AndrewLangone alright cool [13:35:02] He'll go nuts over this [13:35:09] JonneNauha heh [13:35:12] AndrewLangone the fact that you helped me will be huge haha [13:35:20] JonneNauha tell him too to contact me if anything comes up [13:35:25] questions etc. [13:35:26] AndrewLangone sure thing [13:35:31] JonneNauha i gradly help with this kind of stuff [13:35:36] to get you going [13:35:58] yeah you can say meshmoon lead developer spent an hour with you :D [13:36:00] AndrewLangone much appreciated [13:36:00] JonneNauha lol [13:36:04] im a rock start, haha [13:36:08] AndrewLangone haha [13:36:10] JonneNauha see u later dude [13:36:15] AndrewLangone later man [13:36:17] JonneNauha logged out [13:36:18] thanks again

Class #12: MORE LEVELING UP IN WoW

Langone and Choloz are back in the game!  Mining some resources like a good little goblin, outfitting myself in some new gear, and laying waste to a bunch of plants to earn that leet XP.

Ding! Level 7

Blizzard is famous for their easter eggs!  I particularly enjoyed this Predator reference.  I got to THA CHOPPA!

Totally saved Thrall like a BOSS.  He turned me into a cyclone so I could smite my enemies with lightning!  Rode a rocket NBD and established a new basecamp which I parachuted into.  Airborne All the Way!  Brings back memories. 

Ding!  Level 8

Langone and his new minion Tangjuk have some big tasks ahead of them to earn this last level.  Kill a giant mechano-chicken, and a giant hammerhead shark for starters.  Then off to terrorize some Naga and kidnap their babies for ransom. All in a day's work.

Ding!  Level 9

Class #11: BUILDING MY IMMERSIVE LIBRARIES/MUSEUM

Finished product of my first concept.  Since clickable images appears to be disabled by Meshmoon admins I opted for a different approach.  

Images representing aspects of my life are floating behind spheres that allow a user to access a relevant web page.

Another angle of my initial concept.

** _____  Work in Progress  _____ **

My biggest pet peeve with constructing primitives in Meshmoon was the lack of a rotate tool.

Class #11: Final Project Steps 1-4

Step 1:

Experimenting with basic shapes.  Moving, scaling, cloning.

Step 2:

Experimenting with layer management within Meshmoon.

Step 3:

Here I was able to link my blog to the cylinder shape.  A user would be able to access the blog from within the virtual space I created.

Step 4:

Adding an image was easy enough, but making it clickable to an external website was not apparent.

Here I was able to create a browser pop-up window that linked to my hosted picture.  It is only a 50% solution.

Class 11: IMMERSIVE LIBRARIES AND MUSEUMS

Source:  Immersive Education Libraries and Museums Technology Working Group (LAM.TWG)

Journal of Immersive Education (JiED)

          The Libraries and Museums Technology Working Group is made up of a group of professionals involved with the Immersive Education Initiative (iED).  This collaborative effort helps define and implement the applications and standards of use related to the library and museum services available through iED.  Membership is open to all members of the iED community, with preferential experience as follows:  real-world experience with libraries and museums, digital experience with libraries and museums, or experience with developing or using virtual worlds.
          Academic learning environments are constantly struggling to keep pace with technological advances.  In order to expand accessibility and maintain relevance to a rapidly growing, tech-savvy audience, Academia has to look beyond the physical constraints of traditional learning institutions.  The LAM TWG was created to develop and maintain technologies that allow library and museum services to transcend physical space and thrive in an online world.  This is accomplished by leveraging virtual and 3D technologies such as:  virtual/augmented reality, Voice over IP (VOIP), web cams, and digital media.
          LAM TWG strives to develop community best practices, standards, and technologies concerning library and museum services within iED.   Examples of how this is being implemented are illustrated through their Use Cases.  Immersive Education study rooms bring students and faculty together in a virtual, collaborative environment that allows presentation of materials and innovative learning experiences that would not be possible in a physical space.   Wider and more diverse audiences can benefit from the services LAM TWG provides.
          LAM TWG meets approximately twice per year in person and holds monthly teleconferences or virtual meetings.  All meeting are announced through the website and mailing list.  The proceedings of LAM TWG are considered confidential and are restricted to only members of the group.  Technical decisions and findings are produced and reviewed by experts and collaborators prior to being released to the general public.  For more information or to apply to an iED TWG please visit here.

Class 11: CONTINUING TO LEVEL UP IN WoW

Ding! Level 6

Questing my way to Level 6.  I had to collect valuables and gold to buy my way onto the only escape ship before the dragon destroyed my home island.  My ship was then wrecked and I had to battle sharks while searching for survivors.

Ding! Level 5

Questing my way to level 5.  Locals are starting to panic because of a dragon that has been released nearby.  I had to secure stolen goods, then break into a bank to get my savings.  

Ding!  Level 4

Langone is back in action!  Completing quests to reach level 4!