Emerging Technology Workshop

National Society of Genetic Counselors, October 2007

    
     
 

Participants should bring a wireless computer with the technical requirements and software to use (and let others observe) during the session.

Laptops should be charged for 2 hours use. Electrical outlets are minimal at this venue.

 

  
 

Last updated September 25, 2007

Software

Participants should have the following software on their wireless prior to attending this workshop.

  • PowerPoint, part of Microsoft Office, version 2002 or more recent
  • Skype, download the free version. Save your registration information (Skype name and password). The free version allows you to connect through a webcam (video conference) with one other Skype user. The full version ($30 for one year) includes multi-person conference calling and other features.
  • Second Life*, free membership, adequate computer capabilities required. Record registration you name and password for future use, as well as your virtual persona. It is helpful to have a "buddy" to navigate, so you can list "Pietro Maracas" (Dave) or "Alberta Sands" (Debra) as your referring source.

It could take 2-3 hours to download the software, respond to registration e-mail, configure your virtual person (avatar) and progress through Orientation Island. Then, explore Second Life; search for genetic sites. Come prepared to visit one of the islands with other workshop participants! Explore educational uses, virtual classrooms, role play, other. Showcase

  • Software ID / Passwords: Participants should arrive with usernames and passwords to use Skype, Second Life, and Google Docs (requires free gmail e-mail address)

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The following software will be referenced during the Workshop, but will not required for participants:

URL links:

* Second Life (SL). A large, multiuser, three-dimensional online virtual world. You visit this world as an “avatar” (a representation of yourself), and through your avatar, explore areas and features made by other people, by institutions, or create new environments - or parts of them - yourself. Social interaction is and important feature of SL; you can use instant messaging, gestures, or chats to communicate with others. You can flying anywhere in SL, what you do depends on your curiosity and creativity. Major institutions and corporations participate in Second Life (such as NIH, CDC), universities, museums (Exploratorium, SF), libraries (State Library of Kansas: links to HealthInfo Island with classroom & library, other) . Genetic Examples: Gene Pool, CDC, Heart Evaluation