idealist.org

Here at LCO France, a new project is under development. Today, "virtual worlds" are becoming the new form of communication for businesses, organisations and enterprises.

The main virtual world is currently SecondLife, which is used by 65-75,000 people every day. However, as this is a largely proprietary experience, (with somewhat restricted building interactivity), many people are now looking at alternatives for their educational, on-line conference and promotional needs.

OpenSimulator is one such alternative. The software is opensource, and the server software reverse engineered from the opensource Linden Labs SecondLife Client. Whilst largely functional, it is still in an Alpha stage of development. It is being developed by an active team who wish to see an open grid of virtual worlds accessible through the web.

LCO France has installed an OpenSim server on its internal network. This hosts 4 regions which are being created in virtual 3D and based on real life in the villages, nature parks, mountains and forests of central france.

Its primary aim, to spread awareness of the values and advantages to be gained from working in harmony with nature. In addition, to demonstrate that technological knowledge and development can be enhanced by the peace and calm of a rural environment which a recent study at the University of Michigan has confirmed.

As a secondary benefit, we aim to demonstrate how sensible use of virtual realities, for development and learning, can help provide a support service for those individuals whose perhaps less-than-perfect real life, has led them to fall under the spell of addiction that such worlds can cause.

With the above in mind, LCO is seeking a team, not only to participate in the development of the project but also to spend some time living away from the stress caused by the pressures of modern life
If the idea of a sabbatical for three to six months as a volunteer with LCO, working with our small team to bring this idea to reality, is of interest and you have at least three of the skills listed below, please do not hesitate to contact us for an application.

As LCO France is an entirely Linux based not-for-profit association:-

3D Graphical skills (Blender, Wings 3D, or compatible alternative)
French language skills
lsl Scripting skills
Environmental/ecological skills
SL Object creation skills using the client tools.

Volunteers will be provided with accommodation, meals and refreshments during their stay, but will need to provide their own travel expenses to and from Auvergne and their own medical insurance cover.

email to: info:lcofrance.org
or write to: LCO France
Le Bourg, Saint Alyre d Arlanc
63220, France
Website: http://go.linuxcoaching.org