Silversprite

I have been self-employed since May 2000, providing services to the wider library and education sectors. I undertaken research and consultancy in three areas.

The use of virtual worlds, such as Second Life, in teaching and learning

A large part of this work is based around the Virtual World Watch project. Through this, I’m attempting to track the emerging trends regarding the use of Second Life and other virtual worlds, in UK universities and colleges. Virtual World Watch, and the surveys which preceded it, show a rapid – though fragmented – use of virtual worlds in UK higher education especially. The technology is, however, still maturing with other virtual worlds emerging and disappearing, e.g. Google Lively, on an increasingly frequent basis. Which virtual worlds are “best” for education? How do we measure their usefulness? How can people find things within virtual worlds?

Applications of Nintendo-based games and technologies

Of the main video game manufacturers, Nintendo have traditionally been the most innovative. Their most recent generation of consoles includes the touch and sound operated portable DS, and the motion-controlled Wii. These devices have been finding audiences beyond the “traditional” video gaming demographic, appealing to people of all ages and, increasingly, being used in esoteric locations such as schools and nursing homes. Novel uses, and new players, of Nintendo products are an enjoyable and interesting subject to study.

Information flows in society

How does information flow between people, and between people and information repositories (such as libraries, or online databases)? How do people find out things, and what strategies do they develop to find, acquire, and (increasingly) make information? What forms does information take? Do residents of cities develop different information acquisition skills to those who live in rural regions? How is information valued, in its own right and as a commodity? Through travel especially, examples and illustrations that throw light on these and many related questions become apparent.

Feel free to contact me if you require research or consultancy within these areas and think I may be suitable.