Terese, Emma and I met recently with Kelly and Andrew - two of our oil rig occupational psychologists - to walk through the structure and get an idea of what changes would need to be made for their SL-tivity. As always, there's a compromise between what would be nice and what is actually possible, but fortunately the OPs had done a great deal of preparation, which made the jobs of  the learning technologists easier.

Using a series of screen shots on a Word document, we went through the rig room by room and identified likely artifacts that could be placed within them, and areas where new walls, doors and such would need to be constructed.

One of the main changes to be undertaken was to build a second exit route from the rig. This has just been completed, and should give  the OPs a little more flexibility in planning their SL-tivity. For example, if it is to be an evacuation-based task, then we can change the parameters of the problem by blocking access to the original exit.

As SL-build resources on DUCKLING are limited, the LTs have to use their time wisely. (Our approach is to be functional and accurate; fortunately oil rig workers are a hardy bunch, so can live without wallpaper and cushions!) Next, we will be constructing a new control room on the uppermost roof, before moving within the exisiting rooms to put up the new walls.

It is anticipated that the final part of the oil rig adaptation will be the placing of the artefacts, and of course all signage.

Simon Kear, Learning Techonlogist