The virtual birthing unit project/International perspectives of Second Life and birth environment

''This lesson should take a minimum of 60 minutes and is appropriate for junior midwifery students, anyone interested in childbirth in an international context, and people interested in Second Life. There are several activities you can choose within this lesson. You will have a look at the virtual birthing unit in Second Life and then make connections with people at other places in Second Life, or reflect on midwifery practice and profession in the wider international context. You will publish your thoughts in the form of a written paragraph, audio or video recording anywhere on the Internet where you have a space.These activities are designed to support you as you think about Second Life, childbirth and midwifery in an international context. This will be open to anyone who has access to the Internet''

Resources

 * Computer and Internet with access to Second Life, YouTube, Elluminate and Blogger.
 * Basic ability to use Second Life and access the Virtual Birthing http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kowhai/82/213/35/
 * Extra resources to support this lesson either as links or printed handouts:
 * SL Tips and Tools By John Waugh 2008.
 * Newbie Woman's SL Survival Kit By the SLLU Feminist Network 2009.
 * Information for newbies from JoKaydia.
 * Finding your way around Second Life - comments on SLURLS

Objectives

 * 1) Demonstrate an understanding of childbirth as a normal life event which occurs within diverse social and cultural contexts.
 * 2) Demonstrate a beginning understanding of midwifery practice in a wider international context
 * 3) Demonstrate a beginning understanding of the value of professional networking

Activities
1. Look around the virtual birth unit. Then go to another place in Second Life. It may be a place that has a connection to midwifery, health or education, or be totally unconnected. Or attend an event in Second Life. Or join a midwifery group in Second Life

Here are some ideas about places to visit:
 * Jokaydia
 * Healthinfo Island
 * Virtual Hospital UK Virtual Hospital in London
 * New Media Consortium
 * Land of the long white cloud, University of Auckland
 * Centre for Interprofessional e-learning (CIPeL)
 * East Carolina University, USA
 * University of Worcester
 * 'Commercial' maternity units

2. Have a conversation with another person who you have not met before. Here are some ideas about what to ask:
 * When did you start coming into Second Life?
 * Why do you come to Second Life?
 * What do you do in Second Life?
 * What do you like about Second Life?
 * What are the down-sides to Second Life?
 * What advice can you give me about using Second Life?
 * Where would you recommend I visit?
 * What midwifery/health resources, places or groups can you recommend to me?>

3. Publish your thoughts about your experiences as a written paragraph, audio clip or video on the Internet where ever you 'hang out' such as the Birth Unit Facebook group, class Moodle discussion pages, your blog or Facebook page.

OR

1. Look around the virtual birth unit. Reflect on what this means to be able to have access Second Life, and what it means to be a student midwife in a developed country.
 * What resources do you have access to that allows you to access the birth unit in Second Life?
 * What does it mean to be a student or midwife in a developed country?
 * What resources do pregnant women and families have access to that enhances their birthing experiences in a developed country?
 * What are the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity rates in the developed world?
 * What elements and resources affect maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in the developed world?>

2. Read, watch or listen to at least two of these resources
 * Birth of a surgeon
 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3w-fOmovijc A walk-to-beautiful] (This video is nearly one hour long and takes a while to download. However, it is worth taking the time to watch)
 * Podcast: Pam Daz The WHO Safe Motherhood Initiative]
 * White Ribbon Alliance. Why mums matter.
 * http://sarah-stewart.blogspot.com/2009/04/international-day-of-midwife-2009.html The Virtual International Day of the Midwife 2009]
 * Supporting midwives in third world countries By Carolyn McIntosh 2008.
 * Putting Web 2.0 into perspective By Sarah Stewart 2008.
 * Living in a bubble By Sarah Stewart 2008.>

3. Reflect on what it means to be a midwife or mother in a developing country.
 * What are the maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity rates in the developing countries?
 * What affects maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity in the developing world?
 * What issues face mothers and midwives in developing countries?
 * How does that compare to developed countries
 * What needs to be done to decrease the gap in maternity care between developed and developing countries.
 * What can you do to help decrease that gap?
 * How can you do to support and network with midwives in developing countries?>

4. Publish your thoughts as a written paragraph, audio clip or video on the Internet where ever you 'hang out' such as the Birth Unit Facebook group, class Moodle discussion pages, your blog or Facebook page.