May 24, 2009

Using the Virtual World to Improve Our World

Virtual environments and social networking websites have become valuable tools for elearning and distance collaboration, often being used as a means for urging social change.

On June 3, the University of Michigan-Dearborn will host a free conference to discuss new and innovative approaches for using these applications to address societal issues. The conference, Using the Virtual World to Improve Our World, will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the UM-Dearborn campus and simultaneously in the online virtual world of Second Life. The event is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and Community Services.

Conference attendees will hear from guest speakers working in industry, non-profits, government and universities who are using various forms of technology to change society.

“This forum and discussion will provide for the exchange of best practices and innovative ideas that can accelerate the pace of change,” according to Bruce Maxim, associate professor of computer and information science at UM-Dearborn, who is coordinating the conference.

Those interested in attending the conference should register with Deborah Stark-Knight at 313.593.3403 or dstark@umich.edu by May 28.

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