Exploring Creativity and Scientific Inquiry Through the Metaverse: Our Journey in the Student Building Challenge

 

By: Marcel Mosswood

As an educator deeply committed to integrating immersive technologies in learning, I had the privilege of guiding a group of students through a transformative experience in the metaverse. Together, we participated in the Student Challenge held by VWEC (Virtual World Education Consortium), a competition that encourages learners to design and build creative, research-based virtual environments. We joined with three dedicated teams under the collective name Ice BeAm Team, each of them bringing unique perspectives and thoughtful designs into the metaverse.

The first team, Blue, developed a project titled The Rise of H2O, which explores the profound impact of global warming on water systems. What made this team’s building especially compelling was their use of extensive literature-based research to inform the entire virtual experience. Their environment provided a comprehensive narrative—from rising sea levels and melting glaciers to disrupted water cycles—presented in an engaging, visually informative format that invited users to explore and reflect.

Blue Team building: The Rise of H2O

The second group, Orange, chose a more futuristic theme with their project, Moon Life: Dream or Reality?. Their virtual space simulated conditions on the moon, examining how lunar phases and environmental factors would affect the possibility of human habitation. The highlight of this project was the Lunar Cycle Interactive Ride, an experiential attraction where avatars could ride through the different phases of the moon while absorbing key facts and scientific insights. This interactive component turned abstract concepts into tangible experiences, making learning both fun and memorable.

Orange Team building: Moon Life: Dream or Reality

Our third team, Red, focused on the very real and pressing issue of natural disaster preparedness. Their project, Earthquake Resistance House, modeled how Japanese architectural strategies are applied to build earthquake-resilient homes. Their virtual environment featured a simulation video of an earthquake, utilizing assets from our metaverse school, Suluh Bangsa Mulia. This simulation provided users with an understanding of how specific structural elements help reduce damage during seismic events—a vital topic for students living in earthquake-prone regions.

Red Team building: Earthquake Resistance Building

Behind each of these projects was a rigorous research process. The students built upon lessons they had previously studied in school, applying them in meaningful ways that demonstrated both comprehension and creativity. We encouraged them to investigate beyond the classroom, seek credible sources, and collaborate intensively as part of their project development.

Participating in the VWEC Student Challenge was more than just a competition for us—it was a milestone in experiential learning. It showed how virtual environments can serve as powerful platforms for scientific exploration, critical thinking, and teamwork. Through the lens of the metaverse, our students not only learned new content but also developed skills that will be essential for their future academic and personal growth.

 

Marcel Mosswood

 

 

 

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Dorie Bernstein And The Dreams Sims

By Marcel Mosswood

Good and evil do exist everywhere including Second Life, there are good avatars and evil ones. Dorie Bernstein is one of the many good-hearted avatars I know in Second Life. She manages Dreams sims along with several of her teams to present a safe and comfortable sim for the visitors in community and practice building in Second Life.

“Golda Stein is the rat behind the scenes," Dorie explained, "making sure the finances are in order as well as being the head boss for everything. Kely is a co-manager and ably manages the weekly Texture Contest and Speed Build, as well as many other duties behind the scenes. We have many who contribute time, support and L$ to keep our group thriving. Everyone makes this happen.

Dorie went on, “We have support groups that meet regularly for ShockProof, Brigadoon Explorers, and ADHD. ShockProof is the group for stroke and TBI survivors and their loved ones. Those meetings happen once or twice a month. Brigadoon Explorers is our group for those on the autism spectrum as well as their loved ones. They meet once a week. The ADHD group meets once a week as well.

"Building and texturing contests happen on a weekly, monthly and semi-weekly basis. Speed Build and Texturing Contests happen once a week on the same days and times used since the beginning. A monthly contest for building centers around a theme, often tied to the time of year. Until fairly recently, that contest was a pure building contest. Now, the rules allow for folks to create their vision using objects made by anyone at any time. This change was necessary to maintain engagement in events as mesh hit the grid and changed the relationship between builders and content creation. A semi-weekly building challenge (WBC) maintains a pure build focus, for those who want the challenge of creating something entirely new to meet the theme and particular challenge. Each week, we have our own version of 'Primtionary' for those liking to do quick-draw builds for others to guess the given word.

"Art has always been celebrated at Dreams, with various events through the years focused on different forms of artwork possible in Second Life. Huntress Catteneo rents our third sim, and has created a haven for artists of all sorts. She runs an art festival each year to raise money for charities. One of our members, FionaFei, created a marvelous art installation and gallery 2,000 meters high in Dreams. It has become the site of Friday night concerts with live music each week.

"The Dream Creations store offers a spot for group members to sell their creations. It also is where we have a yard sale and gacha resale area to help bring funds into the sims for paying the tier.”

Dreams are made to help people with disability to explore Second Life. But Dreams also is a safe place for normal people. Have you ever had a problem when protecting the interests of people with disability when they are in the midst of normal people in Second Life?

“While we do have a focus on helping those with disabilities find a safe place to be in Second Life, we don't make that the most visible part of our programming," Dorie answered, "We never require folks to identify if they have any particular disability, or what it is if they have one. Our rules and culture is designed to create the safe place and allow people to choose whether to share what they're dealing with behind the keyboard. Sometimes it helps to let that all go and have a sense of escaping the normal realities. We do expect all of our visitors and members to behave in a respectful and kind manner, regardless of what disability they may or may not have. The health of the whole group is important, and won't be sacrificed to 'save' someone who is causing massive disruptions. When handling difficult situations, I do try to be aware of where someone is coming from in order to figure out the best path forward. I'm only human, of course, and will fall down on that from time to time.” 

You have maintain the Dreams tradition and programs for many years, this is not easy. Do you have tips to stay consistent with these programs?

Dorie answered, “The main thing is to know just what is important about the traditions and programming. Find the essence, and work to maintain that. Embrace the changes that come to the grid and see how they can be worked into the old. I know that our group's founder would have embraced the new and found ways to use it. Trying to stop time doesn't honor the past. We do have nods to tradition sprinkled around the sims. A set of 'drama frogs' made by the founder sit by a pond. A stray micro prim from jewelry a past member is enshrined in the wall of the store. There is always a wall of some sort in the sandbox, as a reminder of our early wall-sitting sessions. We'd gather in the sandbox to chat, play with prims, work on projects, and bond over crazy fun.”

I had two questions about Dorie as a person:

With your very limited time in Second Life and real-life, how can you manage Dreams?

“We have a good team at Dreams," Dorie explained, "Each member runs their part, and that makes life so much easier for all of us. On my own side of it, I am learning how to use the word 'no' better. I do try to determine where I can save time without sacrificing quality. Engagement and participation are more valued in our events than attempting to maintain traditions simply for the sake of tradition.”

You have a unique way of thinking, including when building with basic prims. And I admire your ability to arrange SL's basic prims into new, very symmetrical shapes. What is the basis of your creative thinking?

“I like to challenge myself and see if I can do something different with prims," spoke Dorie, "I've played with them enough to know that there are a lot of shapes hiding with sufficient prim torture. With the new mesh Land Impact accounting system that can be applied to the 'traditional' prims, I'm having fun adding in the details that once were just cost-prohibitive in terms of prim counts. Some builds, I am trying to mimic something from real life. Other times, I am looking for ways to add an off-beat touch to things. This is Second Life, after all. Why stick to 'normal' all the time?”

I’m so in agreement with the last sentence.

Visit Dreams: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dreams/108/150/25

Marcel

Putri Second Life Indonesia 2019 Pageant

By Marcel Mosswood

As more and more Indonesians become Second Life residents, they feel the need to hold an event that can unite Indonesians to get to know each other through the Putri SLI 2019 event. This event is a beauty pageant involving avatars of Indonesian women. How is this event held? Next is my interview with Maia (Maya Sharpshire) as one of the Putri SLI 2019 committee.

Q: What is the main purpose of the Putri SLI (Second Life Indonesia) 2019 pageant?

Maia: So that Indonesian women become an inspiration and role model because of their beauty, brain, and behavior.

Q: How did you come up with the idea to hold the Putri SLI 2019?

Maia: We've got the idea from a friend, particularly after our Indonesian friend, Dara Quinn became Miss SL Winner, and SLI never held such a pageant before. So I and several friends decided to organize the Putri SLI 2019 pageant.

Q: Is it only for Indonesians?

Maia: Yes, it is only for Indonesia women.

Q: How will you know for sure that the registrants are Indonesian? What if she is not Indonesian but fluent in Bahasa Indonesia?

Maia: In my opinion, in SL it is more possible for participants to be more diverse than in RL. We expect and believe that the participants are sincere and honest in their personality.

Q: What is the personality of Putri SLI that you would like to established from this pageant?

Maia: A woman who can be the inspiration and role model for fellow woman. And can be the representative of Indonesia in the international events which will make Indonesian culture more known to the world.

Here is the schedule of the Putri SLI 2019 pageant:

Monday, 29 July 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

Coaching with Maia & Tymon (Mr. Virtual World 2012)

Tuesday 30 July 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

Coaching with Maia & Tymon

Friday 1 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

GR with Maia, Tymon & Brina (Host)

Sunday 4 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

Elimination & Challenge I

1. Styling Casual Look Red-White (freestyle)

2. Quiz

3. The Announcement of Semifinal

Friday 5 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

GR with Maia, Tymon & Brina (Host)

Sunday 8 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

Semifinal & Challenge II

1. Styling Gown

2. Quiz

3. The Announcement of The Grand Final

Friday 15 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

GR with Maia, Tymon & Brina (Host)

Sunday 18 August 2019 - 06:00 AM SLT

Grand Final & The Coronation

1. All contestants will wearing gown from the sponsor

2. Quiz

3. The Coronation

Interesting to watch? Click here for the details: https://www.facebook.com/events/504907680051805/?event_time_id=504907683385138

Marcel Mosswood

Interview With Dara Quinn, Miss SL 2019

By Marcel Mosswood

On June 1 2019, Miss Indonesia Dara Quinn was named Miss SL 2019. In the grand finale, Dara Quinn looks very simply elegant. I’m so glad to have the opportunity to explore more about Miss SL contest in my interview with Dara Quinn.

Dara Quinn

Marcel Mosswood: How did you found out about the Miss SL 2019 pageant?

Dara Quinn: I heard about Miss SL contest from Facebook and one of my friend from Indonesia who took part in the Mr. SL contest invited me to take part in the contest too. So I decided to give it a try.

Marcel Mosswood: After registering how did you feel with all the preparations that you do? Like buying a dress, choosing accessories, shoes, etc., how did you feel?

Dara Quinn: Choose clothes, dresses, shoes, etc. is my favorite part and of course, it is fun!

Marcel Mosswood: Did you shop alone, or were there friends who accompany you during the processes?

Dara Quinn: So far I have been shopping alone, my friend only helped with advice about what clothes or the accessories that match?

Marcel Mosswood: How many challenges of the audition were there in Miss SL 2019? Which challenge do you think is the most challenging? And why is it the most challenging?

Dara Quinn: There were many challenges during the audition. In addition to fashion shows, photo challenges, press presentations, and the grand finale. In my opinion, all of that is a challenge, because we are trained to be creative with all the abilities we have. The most challenging is the Grand Finale for National Costume when most candidates were busy looking for creators to create their costume, I was busy making kebaya (Indonesia national costume) at a price of 10L and combining with the items I have in the inventory to make it perfect!

Marcel Mosswood: In all challenges of the audition, which challenge that made you confident you will win?

Dara Quinn: Sometimes fashion that we think is perfect is not necessarily good in the eyes of the judges, and who determines us to win or lose are the judges. So during the challenge, I did my best according to the theme given. But Neo Japan is my favorite challenge.

Marcel Mosswood: I see that there is a similarity between your avatar and your appearance in real life, does your avatar specially made to be like you?

Dara Quinn: Haha really? I didn't even realize that. I didn't create my avatar look like me, I made the shapes and I really like my avatar shape because it matches various skins.

Marcel Mosswood: As Miss SL 2019, you have become a role model for every woman in Second Life who wants to look beautiful and smart. Are there special messages from you for women in Second Life who want to look beautiful, smart, and cultured like you?

Dara Quinn: First of all, I want to thank you for Miss SL Organization, all the judges, the team and all those who have chosen me as Miss SL 2019. As women in Second Life and Real Life, they have good souls, their own beauty and uniqueness. So be yourself, believe in yourself, be humble, be creative and don't forget to be happy.

Marcel Mosswood: I’m sure the processes to be Miss SL 2019 is hard on the time, cost, and all the preparations. Moreover, you are in Indonesia which has a very different timezone with Second Life, also with different languages. It will be a hard and emotional burden. Are there friends who accompany you during this process so that you can lighten your emotional burden?

Dara Quinn: Actually, I really like this contest and it is not a burden to complain at all. I believe that something we like and want to achieve is never easy! So I really enjoy every process. Besides that, there were lots of friends who helped me through the process of becoming Miss SL. I thank Djohar as Mr. SL Indonesia as well as my translator, he is always there for me from the beginning to the end. For Novi, Aldi, Bee, Xenric, Hamdi, Billy, Arini, Jes and many more... I would like to thank those who always support me, encourage me. I love them.

Marcel Mosswood: Thank you, Dara Quinn, for the interview. I wish you are always successful in all you do!

Marcel Mosswood

Miss Globe Universal Pageant, An Interview With The Chairman

By Marcel Mosswood

A contest is currently being held to choose Miss Globe Universal who will represent women with all their beauty: looks beautiful, smart, and kind. Of course, this is not an easy process to choose candidates who deserve the title of Miss Globe Universal. A few days ago I had the opportunity to interview Rose Mikaelson (DjRoseAthena) as Founder / Chairman of Miss Globe Universal pageant. Here is the interview:

Rose Mikaelson, The Founder / Chairman of Miss Globe Universal Pageant

Marcel: Hi Rose, can you tell me what is the main mission of the Miss Globe Universal?

Rose Mikaelson: The mission and purpose of the Miss Globe Universal are to empower women from all over the world, build the confidence they need in order to do their absolute best and help further build careers that may be in the modeling world or outside of that. Miss Globe Universal challenges all women in every way and helps them discover new things during their journey's. The journey is long but it's only the beginning. We appreciate and value our contestants. We are also very excited to celebrate a milestone of five years now in Second Life.

Marcel: Wow, five years! So this is the fifth pageant. It seems like there is a lot of series of events starting from the registration to the election of the Miss Globe Universal, can you describe the timeline of the event?

Rose Mikaelson: The timeline of Miss Globe Universal begins during the planning process. I have five months to plan each new pageant from January to April. The pageants season begins in May and ends in August. It always begins with the application. We have an application because it is important to test the skills and gather the information we need about the applicants. After this comes the live auditions. This goes on for 2 months from May to June. The real work begins in July and ends in August with the spectacular finals. This becomes a five-month process.

Marcel: OK, so what assessment do you use in nominating Miss Globe Universal?

Rose Mikaelson: The assessment process is a long one. We have more judges this year than in previous years. Each section of the pageant has it's own voting process. I break it down to about 6 voting systems. There are also strict rules all judges must follow. I am very proud that my pageant is as fair and honest as they come. Anything else I can not reveal to the public. Some information is for judges or contestants eyes only.

Marcel: Do you have a vision of Miss Globe Universal who will be selected in this event?

Rose Mikaelson: I have zero knowledge of who wins it all in the end. From the very beginning of who enters, the auditions, the runway challenges, and anything else in between. All the voting is done by hired professionals that have been entrusted to due to the duty they agreed to with their best of their abilities.

Each person who is a contestant, judge, or a follower my pageant has their own idea or vision of who should win. The way I envision things throughout the entire season is very different but it should be since I own Miss Globe Universal. I also do not share that vision with anyone. In a way, it's like my own secret sauce. My thoughts, comments, vision or anything else I keep that to myself. It has worked just fine since 2014 and I plan on continuing my traditions.

Marcel: I’ve heard that you work alone in preparing for this event, it must be very tiring. Can you share with our readers about the quotes or motivational words that you use to motivate yourself?

Rose Mikaelson: This is true I do work alone. I have worked alone since December 2014 when I opened my pageant. To many people, yes it is tiring. Especially if they do not have the skill set or knowledge, for example, to do all this alone. I am the only Founder and Chairman that I know of in Second Life that holds a major pageant alone.

I love what I do with a passion and have never backed down no matter what I have been through over the years. Some of my closest friends tell me they could never do what I do and like to call me Superwoman.  What I have been through in my personal life or Second Life is my motivation as well as my music. However, if I were to select any special quotes it would be:

"All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them. – Walt Disney"

Want to know more about the Miss Globe Universal Pageant? Visit the website: https://missglobeuniversal.com/

Marcel Mosswood.