I’m a little daunted and excited at the same time to have been selected to write a book chapter on the use of virtual worlds in health-related pursuits. The book’s title is Virtual Worlds and Metaverse Platforms: New Communication and Identity Paradigms and you can find out more about it here. It’s going to be a fairly wide-ranging chapter covering everything from health support, surgical simulation and mental health opportunities and challenges. Like anyone who is involved with an area for a period of time, I feel I have a reasonable grasp of the topic but it goes without saying I have plenty more to learn as well.
That’s the main reason I’m very keen to hear from you if you’re undertaking health-related work in a virtual world. It doesn’t matter what the platform or whether its direct engagement or research – I’m all ears. For me, the success of the book chapter will fall on its ability to illustrate the breadth of work going on whilst providing some empitical underpinnings. That can only occur with your help.
If you’d like to contact me privately, please don’t hesitate to do so here. Otherwise, as always please feel free to mention your work in the comments.
Hi Lowell,
Congratulations on being included in the book!
I’m Knoh Oh in SL and maintain the Path of Support on Healthinfo Island. I’ve done research into health support groups inworld and am always interested in talking about these efforts. I really like the fact that actual health issues are being addressed right now in this particular area, not just a future possibility.
Drop by my website, or IM me inworld.
Hi John! Thanks so much for that, I’m very aware of the great work you’ve been involved with, hope to find out more in coming months.
Hi Lowell
The Wall Street Journal referred to some of our projects and used our videos and builds to illustrate their article (they are going to add the missing attributions soon I hope). You can find the full movies here: http://secondhealth.wordpress.com/movies and details of our projects at http://medmedia.wordpress.com and in my blog http://www.nanodave.com
Good luck with your book chapter.
Dave Taylor, Programme Lead – Virtual Worlds, Imperial College London
SL: Davee Commerce