Principal Investigator: Daniel Jones, Institute of Technology at Utica/Rome Advanced information technology provides students access to a wide range of learning experiences. One of the challenges of the on-line forum is providing exposure to hands-on laboratory experience to students. The goal of this project is to actively engage on-line students in the learning process. The crux of this proposal is to investigate and validate a new concept of bringing state-of-the-art technology to enhance pedagogical on-line learning approaches and provide flexibility of time and location for both students and faculty. Creating a dynamic and efficient learning environment with ubiquitous access to computing and laboratory resources is the main goal of this proposal. Furthermore, it will be an effective test bed for new educational technology of core interest to SUNY. For example, it will enable on-line delivery of Physics laboratory courses to fulfill General Education requirements for students who do not have direct and immediate access to the required laboratory equipment. Co-PI’s and Key Partners: Mohammed A. Abdallah, SUNY IT Reports and Resources: Mid-project report

Since 2009, SUNY Ulster’s Nursing Program teaches in Second Life. Through the Internet-based collaborative platform, students simulate responses to case scenarios in a virtual hospital, learning critical thinking skills. Moving forward with IITG, we will be working with SUNY nursing programs, sharing our Medical facility, developing virtual scenarios on the SLN Healthcare Island. At the close of Phase 1 pilot, we will empower campuses to design and implement additional case studies and also create an assessment to address progress, successes and challenges. A yearly summit for faculty, staff and students will spotlight the growing opportunities of the SLN Healthcare Island.