(This story originally appeared over at Metaverse Health) For the past couple of years I've been aware of the work going on in New Zealand with midwifery training and Second Life, mostly thanks to the updates over at SLENZ. Machinima maker Pooky Amsterdam dropped me a line about a film she's helped produce that explains the role of Te Wāhi Whānau - The Birth Place in Second … [Read more...] about Midwifery, birth and Second Life
Health
The physical health impacts of virtual environments
Over the past few days a product announcement and some interesting research have come together for me in illustrating some of the downsides of heavy regular use of virtual environments. I'm talking specifically about the physical impacts here: we've covered the psychological positives and negatives repeatedly (e.g. here and here). In regard to the psychological side, I've … [Read more...] about The physical health impacts of virtual environments
Suicide prevention, stories and Second Life
Suicide remains one of the issues that pretty much everyone feels queasy discussing. For the survivors of suicide, there's not choice to discuss it and it's one of two reasons a presence in Second Life has been created. Located in Haetae, the purpose is is expression and support. There are two floors, Life and Death. Death is an art exhibition depicting the feelings of those … [Read more...] about Suicide prevention, stories and Second Life
Health Beyond 2009 – e-health, Serious Games and Second Life
Posted originally over on Metaverse Health: As a Registered Nurse with a passion for the use of emerging technologies to improve health, it can sometimes be a little frustrating when things don't seem to progress as fast as one would like. There's also the 'they just don't get it' phenomenon amongst some in health leadership and management roles, which can lead to the … [Read more...] about Health Beyond 2009 – e-health, Serious Games and Second Life
Interview – DeeAnna Nagel and Kate Anthony, Online Therapy Institute
DeeAnna Nagel and Kate Anthony are psychotherapists and founders of the Online Therapy Institute. The pair have only recently expanded their work to Second Life, but they have extensive experience in working with people therapeutically online. The pair now have a presence on Jokaydia in Second Life. I caught up with them to talk online counselling / therapy. Lowell: Can you … [Read more...] about Interview – DeeAnna Nagel and Kate Anthony, Online Therapy Institute