WSU launches 3-D campus

Washington State University officials on Monday formally unveiled a 3-D replica of the campus through Second Life.

The virtual campus will provide students a new means of communicating with professors via voice or text chat and make WSU more accessible to students enrolled in distance degree programs. Students can also work together on group projects that exist within the 3-D space.

Designed by staff and students who work for The Center for Distance and Professional Education, the virtual space allows students to create avatars for navigating the campus and attending lectures as if they were in Pullman. CDPE assistant dean Dr. David Cillay said the program was launched to provide distance degree students a more fulfilling education experience.

Hundreds of universities, such as Harvard, Stanford and the University of California, Davis, are already making use of 3-D campuses for a variety applications. UC Davis created a virtual psychiatric clinic for students to explore the effects of schizophrenia.

Some WSU professors have already expressed interest in utilizing this new technology for their classes. Brett Atwood, an assistant professor with the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, said he plans to use the program for journalism and public relations courses this fall. “We are dipping our toe into the virtual world,” Atwood said.

Jitesh Panchal, an assistant professor with the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, also expressed interest in using the 3-D campus to enhance his lectures. In an interview with The Daily Evergreen, Panchal said he wanted to use the program because it brings students together.

Featuring campus landmarks, including the Bryan Hall Clock Tower, the CUB and Todd Hall, the program attempts to recreate the campus learning environment. Atwood said, “There is a collaborative component to the Second Life community.” Unlike other eLearning sites, Second Life allows users to become more socially engaged, Atwood added.

According to early cost projections, maintaining the WSU island would cost $900 per year. Atwood said, “The program is a significant investment over the long-term.” WSU students are able to access the 3-D space free of charge.

A sneak peak of the project was offered at the 2009 Virtual Journalism Summit in Pullman, Wash. where Linden Lab chairman and Second Life founder Philip Rosedale spoke about the emergence of 3-D platforms.

Critics of the program say it is a processor intensive program, which could prevent many students from accessing the virtual space. Others accuse the program of diminishing the importance of face-to-face communication. Atwood admitted, “The program might not be the right solution for every problem…but it builds trust between students, peers and professors.”