Symposium Instructions for Virtual Presentations

Instructions for Virtual Presentations (Posters and Artwork)

General

Virtual posters and visual arts presentations are both presented in the virtual world, Second Life.  A poster presentation consists of a series of five PowerPoint slides, and a visual arts presentation consists of 5-10 works.

As in real-life, presenters will be expected to attend one session of the symposium. Rather than showing up on campus, you will attend by logging into Second Life from your computer and having your avatar present during the session. The virtual components of the TWU Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium are held on the TWU Second Life campus. 

The 5 PowerPoint slides should be self-explanatory, allowing the viewer to enjoy and understand your presentation even in your absence. Most likely, several individuals will be looking at your poster at one time. If your poster is prepared with labels, large print, and a clear sequence from beginning to end, the viewer will be able to follow the ideas presented.

People from TWU, other universities, and general users of Second Life attend the symposium via Second Life, providing a global audience for your research or art. During your session time, visitors will walk around the symposium area or virtual gallery and chat with you about your work.

Presenters will receive a guide to preparing their virtual presentation upon acceptance.  Orientation sessions will be available to help presenters become familiar with Second Life.  

The final date to submit the presentation or images and handout is Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Preparing Your Presentation for Second Life 

You will need the following things for your virtual presentation:

1. Poster - A PowerPoint-based presentation (5 slides- title slide not necessary).
   Art - JPEGs of your artwork.  Approximately 8” x 10” JPEGs, saved at 72 dpi.
2. A handout consisting of  text-only presentation information (1,000 word maximum) with a short bio, artist statement, and/or all applicable references listed at the end .
3. A personalized avatar.

Part 1- The PowerPoint or Images

PowerPoint

Tips to ensure a better presentation:
Use text no smaller than 24 point font.
Use a clear, easy to read font, such as Arial or Verdana.
Graphics and images are easier to view and read than a slide full of text.
Proofread, proofread, proofread!

Submission

After you create your PowerPoint or images and handout, e-mail 2ndlife@twu.edu to arrange uploading of your work to Second Life before 5:00pm, Thursday, April 5, 2012. Your presentation will be preloaded into Second Life, either on presentation boards or in the art gallery.

Part 2- The Handout 

Prepare all information that you wish to have in your handout including contact information with both your real and Second Life names and a short bio. Be sure to include an artist statement and/or references on the handout. Information on a notecard (handout) in Second Life cannot be formatted (no bold, italic, font size, etc.) so spacing and *text emphasis* are important elements.

All handout information should be sent as a Word document to 2ndlife@twu.edu in order to be prepared as a notecard and setup for distribution to symposium attendees. The handout should be sent with your PowerPoint or images by 5:00pm, Thursday, April 5, 2012.

Part 3- Accessing the TWU Second Life Island and Personalizing your Avatar

We encourage you to create your avatar by April 1.  Second Life orientation sessions will be held during the two weeks before the symposium. Upon acceptance, presenters will receive an email with further directions on creating an avatar and navigating in Second Life.

For any questions or support please contact the TWU Second Life support team at 2ndlife@twu.edu.

Virtual Symposium Video from 2010