LC_MOO vs SL
Posted by iandonaldson on November 10, 2007
Throughout ITC213 we’ve used LC_MOO as the primary synchronous communication tool. Once set up it is clearly a pragamatic, effective and powerful communication tool for groups. On the downstide, it is perhaps somewhat dated now, 2d, and a standalone platform.
Comparing MOO to contemporary alternatives is somewhat unfair due to the age difference. Like, comparing the legendary Model T ford to a modern car perhaps. However is is useful because for most comparisons MOO still stands out as an emitentely suitable and effective tool.
However, SecondLife (SL) possibily starts to be a contending alternative now. For example, some of the educational activities available in SL are discussed here: http://edumuve.com/tour/, and here http://www.simteach.com/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Life_Education_Wiki
Put the 3d elements aside, is the chat as effective in SL as MOO? I suspect that with further evaluation the chat capability could be found to be as effective, or enhanced. SL supports Audio, e.g. from lecturer. Additionally physical gestures can be added to conversations, adding to the immersive experience.
Today I visited: Sydney opera house, Various Shops for Avatar clothes/jewerelly, and SL weapons (yikes), freebie island to get some bits and bobs for my avatar, but the best was the trip to NASA Epcot Centre and JPL Laboratories where I flew around in one of the moon landers. The ability to stream media on a cinema screen (quicktime projection) is really quite remarkable — whilst watching the movie I can, if a i want to, spin around to look at and talk to others, whilst keeping an eye on the movie screen. The behaviour supported in this regard is quite realistic.
And if you’ll excuse me I have more exploring to do 
… Bye!
