Difference between revisions of "SL Certification"

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==SL CERTIFICATION - ACTION PLAN SO FAR==
{{SLCert Navbox}}
[[Category:Certification]]
 
=SL Certification Project=
 
==Introduction==


SL Certification is a task-based approach to identifying those who have attained a cetain level of proficiency in-world in a given topic area.
There are many classes on many different Second Life skills and all of the classes focus on different sets of abilities within each skill. The SL Certification Project's goal is twofold:
Alhough specially selected in-world schools are used for the education, the emphasis is towards certification; so the eductaion is driven by the requirements of the certification.


# SLCERT team uses VOLUNTEER MODERATORS to maintain:
* Create extensive and complete lists of abilities within as many different Second Life-specific skillsets as required by businesses and individuals in Second Life.
#* A single '''SCHOOLS LIST''' on the PUBLIC WIKI with links to their information locations showing what they teach
 
#* Multiple '''SKILLS LISTS''' on the PUBLIC WIKI of what people need to know how to do in multiple categories of SL skills
* Create certification exams as another way, separate from portfolio, for Second Life residents and solution providers to prove their ability within a specific skillset.
# The VOLUNTEER MODERATORS keep the lists current
 
# The SCHOOLS continue to:
SL Certification is a task-based approach to identifying those who have attained a given level of proficiency in world in a given knowledge and skills area. '''To become an SL Certification project participant, contact {{User|Orange Planer}} (Leader).'''
#* Teach their classes
 
#* Remain responsible for their own existing certification programs for now
A list of certified individuals would be maintained and made publicly available.
# RESIDENTS have a choice of where to go to learn the skills
 
# EVERYONE has the benefit of a shared set of SKILLS LISTS for reference:
==Action Plan==
 
=== Phase One - Develop Skills Lists ===
 
# The SL Certification Developers team uses volunteer moderators to:
#* Create and maintain a single schools list on the Second Life Wiki with links to their information locations showing what they teach.
#* Create and maintain multiple skills lists on the Second Life Wiki of one should know to attain levels of ability in those skillsets.
# The volunteer moderators keep the skills lists current.
# Schools will:
#* Educate those interested to reach those levels.
#* The schools will create learning content based on the certification criteria.
#* Remain responsible for their own existing certification programs.
# Residents will have a choice of where to go to learn the skills.
# Everyone has the benefit of a shared set of skills lists for reference.
#* Individuals have:
#* Individuals have:
#** A checklist for managing their own skills education program
#** A checklist for managing their own skills education program.
#** A list of schools who are known to give classes on material they want to take.
#* Schools have:
#* Schools have:
#** The opportunity to be known for the classes they already make available
#** The opportunity to be known for the classes they already make available.
#** The opportunity to offer new classes not yet available
#** The opportunity to offer new classes not yet available.
#* Solution Providers have:
#* Solution Providers have a checklist for managing their employee skills education programs or checking skills levels of their contractors
#** A checklist for managing their employee skills education programs or checking skills levels of their contractors
 
=== Phase Two - Develop Skills Tests ===
# The SL Certification Developers team uses volunteer moderators to develop, test, and document:
#* Multiple skills tests of what people need to know, and know how to do, in multiple categories of Second Life skills
#* Use the best blends of testing methods including but not limited to: Written (True/False; Multiple Choice), Performance (Build; Texture; Plan)
 
=== Phase Three - Create A Mechanism For Establishing Certification Testing ===
# The SL Certification Developers team will identify one or more mechanisms to establish certification testing including:
#* Creating a group that would manage the examination process
#* Having schools or the certification group proctor exams
#* Having schools or the certification group grade the exams
#* Exam scores and tests will be kept in a database for which reporting will be available; the exact details shall be worked out at a later time, in particular, who will manage the database, who will have access to the database, what database shall be used, how access will be granted, and where the database will be stored, among others issues.


==SL CERTIFICATION - MODERATOR WIKI GUIDE AND TOPIC CERTIFICATION PROCESS ==
=== Phase Four - Certification in Operation ===
* [http://www.fengshuichat.com/sitearm/sl_cert_moderator_wiki_guide.htm SL CERT Moderator Wiki Guide] This is the guide which helps volunteer moderators get started posting skills lists.
* Linden Lab liaison reviews SL Certification Developer recommendations
* [[Hunter Benazzi SL Cert Process Document | SL CERT Topic Certification Process]] This is the process which leads to skills lists becoming schools certifications.
* Present plan for Executive Committee discussion, approval, budgeting
* Target Q4 2010 to begin


==SL CERTIFICATION - LISTS SO FAR==
== Process Guides ==
(To become a volunteer moderator contact [[User:Hunter Benazzi|Hunter Benazzi]], [[User:Sitearm Madonna|Sitearm Madonna]], or [[User:Glenn Linden|Glenn Linden]]. Current moderators are listed [http://www.spin-stream.com/support/showthread.php?p=2707#post2707 here])


===SCHOOLS LIST (LADY HATHAWAY MODERATOR)===
=== SL Certification Process ===
* [[SL Cert Process Document | How skills lists become skills tests]]


* [[SchoolsList|Lady Hathaway Schools List]]
=== Roles Guide ===
* [[SL Certification Roles | Action roles in the SL Certification Project]]


===SKILLS LIST - LAND MANAGEMENT (HUNTER BENAZZI MODERATOR)===
=== Certification Guide ===
* [[Hunter Benazzi SL Cert Basic Land Management]]
* [[SL Cert Guide to Certification Testing | How 3rd party testing companies work]]
* [[Hunter Benazzi SL Cert Intermediate Land Management]]
* [[Hunter Benazzi SL Cert Advanced Land Management]]


===SKILLS LIST - TEXTURING (ALICE KLINGER MODERATOR)===
=== Wiki Guide ===
* [http://wiki.secondlife.com/wiki/Style_Guide | SL KB Style Guide]


* [[Alice Klinger - Textures Skill Set]]
=== Skills List Template ===
* [[SL Cert Criteria Template | A template for consistent format of skills list criteria pages.]]


===SKILLS LIST - TERRAFORMING {PATRICE COURNOYER MODERATOR}===
== Company Lists ==


* [[Patrice Cournoyer sl cert]]
=== Education Companies / Schools ===
:Moderator: {{User|Lady Hathaway}}
* [[List of Second Life Skills Training Schools|SL Cert Schools]]


===SKILLS LIST - SCRIPTING (LOUISE RUMPLER MODERATOR}===
== Skills Lists ==
* In Phase One Action Plan these lists are sorted in the order they were first created.
* In Phase Two Action Plan a logical grouping will be added to make subjects easier to find.


* [[Louise Rumpler SL Cert Basic Scripting]]
=== Moderators (subject matter experts) ===
:Land Management Moderator: {{User|Annie Twilight}}


==MEETINGS AND NOTES==
:Texturing Moderator: {{User|}}
* Certification discussions, hosted by Emily Darrow, Sitearm Madonna & Hunter Benazzi
** [http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLDEVU/227/73/27 Location (SLDEVU ISLAND)]
** [http://www.spin-stream.com/support/forumdisplay.php?f=90 Minutes (SP COUNCIL FORUM)]


==Overarching Goal==
:Terraforming Moderator: {{User|Patrice Cournoyer}}


SL Certification is the only certification group within SL that has Linden Labs support.
:Scripting Moderator: {{User|Grandma Bates}}


The purpose for the certification is to allow individuals to have their Second-Life skills recognised as meeting a set criteria, at various levels of "Basic", "Intermediate" and "Advanced"
:Event Hosting Moderator: {{User|Linda Sautereau}}


A list of certified people will then be maintained and made available to those requesting a service.
:Machinima Moderator: {{User|Toxic Menges}}


To assist residents in achieving these levels, specially selected schools will be used to educate those interested. They will create learning content based on the certification criteria and also facilitate the testing.
:Building Moderator: {{User|Aquarius Paravane}}


Once the process is complete, a list of certified individuals will then be made publically available.
:Marketing Moderator: {{User|Ppmediadev Blinker}}


==Immediate Goal==
:Second Life Tutoring Moderator: {{User|Orange Planer}}
* Develop certification criteria for modeling and scripting
** We are looking for members of the Developer, Instructor, and Volunteer communities to work with Lindens in creating the skills list and certification tasks for those skills in Modeling and in Scripting.


'''Current Activities'''
:Sculpty: {{User|Vickie Greenwood}}


===During February 2009===
== Skills Tests ==


Confimring that Topic moderators are still available to produce material
Skills tests are now being created.  Creating the skills tests will be coordinated with when certification exams begin.
Action: Hunter Benazzi / Assigned moderators
Status: In progress


Produce Comprehensive Guide for moderators on using the Wiki
== Meetings and Notes ==
Action: Sitearm Madonna
Certification discussions, hosted by {{User|Orange Planer}} (2009/2010) and {{User|Emily Darrow}} (2008/2007)
Status: Complete and loaded onto wiki
* [http://slurl.com/secondlife/SLDEVU/227/73/27 Location (SLDEVU ISLAND)] - accessible by group members only


Provide outline content by 28 February
* [[SL Cert - Meeting Minutes|Meeting Minutes]]
Action: All Moderators
Status: In progress


Once outline content is produced discuss methodology with approved schools
=== 4th Quarter 2008 Accomplishments ===
Action: Moderators & School representitives.
* Team Leader [[User:Emily Darrow|Emily Darrow]]
Status: To be commenced at end of Feb 09
* Developed Action Plan
* Schools List Up on Wiki
 
=== First Quarter 2009 Accomplishments ===
* Team Leader {{User|Orange Planer}}
* Additional Participation Generated by Post on XStreet
* Ten Skills Lists Up on Wiki
 
=== Second Quarter 2009 Goals ===
* Team Leader {{User|Orange Planer}}
* Continue and Deepen Generation of Skills Lists
* Begin Generation of Skills Tests
* Identify 3rd Party testing companies to be used for certification process
 
=== Fourth Quarter 2009 Goals ===
* Complete rough drafts of all certifications
 
=== First Quarter 2010 Goals ===
* Acquire outside review of all certification requirements
* Complete final revisions of all certification requirements
 
== Linden Participation ==
* {{User|Lexie Linden}}
* {{User|Katrin Linden}}


==Description==
Linden Lab is supporting the development of certification for the use of key Second Life tools. We’ll begin with in-world building tools and LSL. We believe this will benefit Residents, Developers, and anyone who wishes to use Second Life by clearly identifying both key skills and the holders of those skills. This will also enable the creation of training to build the skills required for certification.
Linden Lab is supporting the development of certification for the use of key Second Life tools. We’ll begin with in-world building tools and LSL. We believe this will benefit Residents, Developers, and anyone who wishes to use Second Life by clearly identifying both key skills and the holders of those skills. This will also enable the creation of training to build the skills required for certification.
It is Linden Lab's intent to work with an external certification provider to offer certification testing and maintain a list of those Residents who have been certified.
==Linden Participants==
* [[User:Glenn Linden|Glenn Linden]]


==[[:Category:SL Certification Participant|Resident Participants]]==
== [[:Category:SL Certification Participant|Resident Participants]] ==
{{:Category:SL Certification Participant}}
{{:Category:SL Certification Participant}}
==Certification Mailing List==
 
== Certification Mailing List ==
https://lists.secondlife.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/slcertification
https://lists.secondlife.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/slcertification


==SL Certification Group==
== SL Certification Group ==
SL Certification Devs - request membership from [[User:Glenn Linden|Glenn Linden]], [[User:Hunter Benazzi|Hunter Benazzi]], or [[User:Sitearm Madonna|Sitearm Madonna]] in world.  Membership is open to anyone who requests it. Meetings are announced here.
SL Certification Devs - request membership from {{User|Orange Planer}} in world.  Membership is open to anyone who requests it. Meetings are announced here and in-world.


==Frequently Asked Questions==
== Meeting Announcements ==
===What is the value of Certification?===
March 20, 2010 at 9 AM SLT/PST.  If you do not have the landmark, please ask {{User|Orange Planer}} in-world.
The primary value of certification is to those hiring people to create content for them in SL. Certification is one indication that someone has at least a minimum set of skills. Certification is only one of many ways to demonstrate competency. Certification also clarifies skills and helps instructors develop instruction.  
 
== Frequently Asked Questions ==
=== What is the value of Certification? ===
The primary value of certification is to those hiring people to create content for them in SL. Specifically, it answers the question "where can I find a group of contractors that I can interview for work I need done?"  Certification is a strong indication that someone has at least a minimum set of skills. Certification is only one of many ways to demonstrate competency.  


Certification also provides a set of skills against which anyone in Second Life, whether they build for fun or for hire, can measure their accomplishments.
Certification also provides a set of skills against which anyone in Second Life, whether they build for fun or for hire, can measure their accomplishments.
Line 112: Line 162:
By more clearly defining skills related to Second Life tools, certification may improve the quality of construction in Second Life, and may encourage a broader range of instruction about the Second Life tools.
By more clearly defining skills related to Second Life tools, certification may improve the quality of construction in Second Life, and may encourage a broader range of instruction about the Second Life tools.


===Portfolios already show if someone is competent; why do we need certification?===
=== Portfolios already show if someone is competent; why do we need certification? ===
Portfolios have a valuable role in demonstrating accomplishment, both in RL and SL. In Second Life, many projects are done collaboratively.  Builds can incorporate content that is bought and created, and many people can be involved. It can be hard to look at a project and understand what a particular person has contributed. Certification provides one method of demonstrating your own skill set. It should be only one of many potential ways to evaluate a candidate.
Not everyone has an extensive portfolio, despite obvious skill and talent.  Portfolios have a valuable role in demonstrating accomplishment, both in RL and SL. In Second Life, many projects are done collaboratively.  Builds can incorporate content that is bought and created, and many people can be involved. It can be hard to look at a project and understand what a particular person has contributed. Certification provides one method of demonstrating your own skill set. It should be only one of many potential ways to evaluate a candidate.


===Is Linden Lab mandating certification?===
=== Is Linden Lab mandating certification? ===
You can chose to be certified if you want, or not. Linden Lab has no intent to monitor or mandate that Second Life content be created only by Residents with certification, or to mandate certification in any way. Nor will Certification (or non-certification) be tied by Linden Lab in any way to land ownership, group membership, membership level, or any other attribute of a Second Life account. While Linden Lab may provide a way for those listed in the Developer Directory to identify certification, it will not require it for the Developer Directory, Classifieds, Events, or any other Linden Lab-operated listing service.   
You can chose to be certified if you want, or not. Linden Lab has no intent to monitor or mandate that Second Life content be created only by Residents with certification, or to mandate certification in any way. Nor will Certification (or non-certification) be tied by Linden Lab in any way to land ownership, group membership, membership level, or any other attribute of a Second Life account. While Linden Lab may provide a way for those listed in the Developer Directory to identify certification, it will not require it for the Developer Directory, Classifieds, Events, or any other Linden Lab-operated listing service.   


===Is Linden Lab mandating content of certification?===
=== Is Linden Lab mandating content of certification? ===
Linden Lab has engaged the Residents in defining the skills involved in competency, and in developing the appropriate demonstration of those skills. Linden Lab is not defining the skills nor the demonstration of them, it is simply supporting the process.  
Linden Lab has engaged the Residents in defining the skills involved in competency, and in developing the appropriate demonstration of those skills. Linden Lab is not defining the skills nor the demonstration of them.


===Will it cost money? Does Linden Lab intend to profit by Certification?===
=== Will it cost money? Does Linden Lab intend to profit by Certification? ===
Linden Lab was looking to have a third party organization manage certification; we don't want the administrative hassle of doing it, nor the potential for anyone to claim that we would have influence on who gets certified. We intend to make certification as widely available as possible. We will work with Residents, Instructors and Developers to find the best way to enable certification.
Linden Lab was looking to have a third party organization manage certification; we don't want the administrative hassle of doing it, nor the potential for anyone to claim that we would have influence on who gets certified. We intend to make certification as widely available as possible. We will work with Residents, Instructors and Developers to find the best way to enable certification.


===Who will be providing the Certification service?===
=== Who will be providing the Certification service? ===
The SL Certification Developers group will be providing the certification service.  SL Certification Developers welcomes input from anyone, although it reserves judgment on whether the input is valuable.  Linden Lab has no intent of operating the certification service.
 
<div>
At this time, the only answer we can give is "Not Linden Lab." We will work with the Residents who participate in developing certification to find the best provider - whether a Resident, an external third party, or some other provider. Ironically, our original reason for only considering an external provider was to prevent any concern that one group of Residents might use Certification against other Residents. Linden Lab has no intent of operating the Certification service - we don't have the expertise or resources, nor do we want the inevitable accusations of bias.
At this time, the only answer we can give is "Not Linden Lab." We will work with the Residents who participate in developing certification to find the best provider - whether a Resident, an external third party, or some other provider. Ironically, our original reason for only considering an external provider was to prevent any concern that one group of Residents might use Certification against other Residents. Linden Lab has no intent of operating the Certification service - we don't have the expertise or resources, nor do we want the inevitable accusations of bias.
</div>


===Will certification make it harder to become competent in using Second Life tools?===
=== Will certification make it harder to become competent in using Second Life tools? ===
Certification is a way to more clearly communicate skills. Without certification, everyone has their own idea of what competency is.  Some classes will teach one set of skills, others another, and outcomes aren't comparable. That's why we're involving SL instructors in this project.
Certification is a way to more clearly communicate skills. Without certification, everyone has their own idea of what competency is.  Some classes will teach one set of skills, others another, and outcomes aren't comparable. That's why we're involving SL instructors in this project.
Learning to use SL Tools will still take the same amount of effort.  Certification will help guide builders and scripters in what they ought to learn in order to achieve particular measurable standards.
Learning to use SL Tools will still take the same amount of effort.  Certification will help guide builders and scripters in what they ought to learn in order to achieve particular measurable standards.


===How will information on who is certified by made available?===
=== How will information on who is certified by made available? ===
The Residents involved in developing certification will help us determine the most effective way to list who is certified.
Residents who are certified will be listed on a public website, along with what certifications they hold.


===Can we do certification in Second Life?===
=== Can we do certification in Second Life? ===
At least one Resident has started building a set of in-world tasks that could become part of a certification system.  This seems preferable to having external tests/tasks.
At least one Resident has started building a set of in-world tasks that could become part of a certification system.  This seems preferable to having external tests/tasks.


==Certification Categories==
== Certification Categories ==
Catagories for certification will be varied, and will grow over time.  
Categories for certification will be varied, and will grow or shrink over time.  
The basic principal behind the certification process is to provide as wide an array of subjects as possible, and involve residents with skills in these areas.
The basic principal behind the certification process is to provide as wide an array of subjects as possible, and involve residents with skills in these areas.


Currently the following catagories are being developed:
Currently the following categories are being developed at [[#Skills Lists|Skills Lists]] above.
* GRAPHIC DESIGN,
* MACHINEMA,
* CLIENT INTERACTION,
* BUILDING,
* LAND MANAGEMENT,
* TERRAFORMING,
* HOSTESSING,
* SCRIPTING.
 
A couple of examples are included below. By the end of February 09 we hope to have a framework of skill-sets which will then form the basis to develop learning materials.
 
===[[Modeling Certification|Modeling]]===
[[ModelingSkills|List of Modeling Skills]]
* Architecture
* Furnishings/Interior Design
* Objects
* Weapons and Vehicles
Note: Includes using scripts to animate objects and textures but no writing of scripts
 
===[[Scripting Certification|Scripting]]===
* Animation
** Note: Animation includes object animation, texture animation and particle systems
* Attachments
* Movement
* Physics & Collisions
* Detection & Sensing
* Asset Management
* Setting Properties
* Communications
* Interacting with external data stores & web content
* Media Management


Alternative Method:
The certification skillsets were completed in 3rd Quarter 2010 but will be reviewed as technology changes.


* Dynamic Objects - manipulation of objects
** Subcategory: Physics and movement in 3-D space
** Subcategory: Primitive Attributes
* User interaction
** Subcategory: User input and communication
** Subcategory: Event handling
* Web interface
** HTML, XML/RPC, and any knowledge of web languages - Perl, Python, PHP, Java, etc


[[Category:Certification]]
[[Category:Skills]]
[[Category:Skills]]

Latest revision as of 04:36, 6 May 2011

SL Certification Project

Introduction

There are many classes on many different Second Life skills and all of the classes focus on different sets of abilities within each skill. The SL Certification Project's goal is twofold:

  • Create extensive and complete lists of abilities within as many different Second Life-specific skillsets as required by businesses and individuals in Second Life.
  • Create certification exams as another way, separate from portfolio, for Second Life residents and solution providers to prove their ability within a specific skillset.

SL Certification is a task-based approach to identifying those who have attained a given level of proficiency in world in a given knowledge and skills area. To become an SL Certification project participant, contact Orange Planer (Leader).

A list of certified individuals would be maintained and made publicly available.

Action Plan

Phase One - Develop Skills Lists

  1. The SL Certification Developers team uses volunteer moderators to:
    • Create and maintain a single schools list on the Second Life Wiki with links to their information locations showing what they teach.
    • Create and maintain multiple skills lists on the Second Life Wiki of one should know to attain levels of ability in those skillsets.
  2. The volunteer moderators keep the skills lists current.
  3. Schools will:
    • Educate those interested to reach those levels.
    • The schools will create learning content based on the certification criteria.
    • Remain responsible for their own existing certification programs.
  4. Residents will have a choice of where to go to learn the skills.
  5. Everyone has the benefit of a shared set of skills lists for reference.
    • Individuals have:
      • A checklist for managing their own skills education program.
      • A list of schools who are known to give classes on material they want to take.
    • Schools have:
      • The opportunity to be known for the classes they already make available.
      • The opportunity to offer new classes not yet available.
    • Solution Providers have a checklist for managing their employee skills education programs or checking skills levels of their contractors

Phase Two - Develop Skills Tests

  1. The SL Certification Developers team uses volunteer moderators to develop, test, and document:
    • Multiple skills tests of what people need to know, and know how to do, in multiple categories of Second Life skills
    • Use the best blends of testing methods including but not limited to: Written (True/False; Multiple Choice), Performance (Build; Texture; Plan)

Phase Three - Create A Mechanism For Establishing Certification Testing

  1. The SL Certification Developers team will identify one or more mechanisms to establish certification testing including:
    • Creating a group that would manage the examination process
    • Having schools or the certification group proctor exams
    • Having schools or the certification group grade the exams
    • Exam scores and tests will be kept in a database for which reporting will be available; the exact details shall be worked out at a later time, in particular, who will manage the database, who will have access to the database, what database shall be used, how access will be granted, and where the database will be stored, among others issues.

Phase Four - Certification in Operation

  • Linden Lab liaison reviews SL Certification Developer recommendations
  • Present plan for Executive Committee discussion, approval, budgeting
  • Target Q4 2010 to begin

Process Guides

SL Certification Process

Roles Guide

Certification Guide

Wiki Guide

Skills List Template

Company Lists

Education Companies / Schools

Moderator: Lady Hathaway

Skills Lists

  • In Phase One Action Plan these lists are sorted in the order they were first created.
  • In Phase Two Action Plan a logical grouping will be added to make subjects easier to find.

Moderators (subject matter experts)

Land Management Moderator: Annie Twilight
Texturing Moderator: [[User:|]]
Terraforming Moderator: Patrice Cournoyer
Scripting Moderator: Grandma Bates
Event Hosting Moderator: Linda Sautereau
Machinima Moderator: Toxic Menges
Building Moderator: Aquarius Paravane
Marketing Moderator: Ppmediadev Blinker
Second Life Tutoring Moderator: Orange Planer
Sculpty: Vickie Greenwood

Skills Tests

Skills tests are now being created. Creating the skills tests will be coordinated with when certification exams begin.

Meetings and Notes

Certification discussions, hosted by Orange Planer (2009/2010) and Emily Darrow (2008/2007)

4th Quarter 2008 Accomplishments

  • Team Leader Emily Darrow
  • Developed Action Plan
  • Schools List Up on Wiki

First Quarter 2009 Accomplishments

  • Team Leader Orange Planer
  • Additional Participation Generated by Post on XStreet
  • Ten Skills Lists Up on Wiki

Second Quarter 2009 Goals

  • Team Leader Orange Planer
  • Continue and Deepen Generation of Skills Lists
  • Begin Generation of Skills Tests
  • Identify 3rd Party testing companies to be used for certification process

Fourth Quarter 2009 Goals

  • Complete rough drafts of all certifications

First Quarter 2010 Goals

  • Acquire outside review of all certification requirements
  • Complete final revisions of all certification requirements

Linden Participation

Linden Lab is supporting the development of certification for the use of key Second Life tools. We’ll begin with in-world building tools and LSL. We believe this will benefit Residents, Developers, and anyone who wishes to use Second Life by clearly identifying both key skills and the holders of those skills. This will also enable the creation of training to build the skills required for certification.

Resident Participants

To list yourself as participating in the development of Linden Lab's SL Certification Project, add [[Category:SL Certification Participant|{{PAGENAME}}]] to your user page.


Certification Mailing List

https://lists.secondlife.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/slcertification

SL Certification Group

SL Certification Devs - request membership from Orange Planer in world. Membership is open to anyone who requests it. Meetings are announced here and in-world.

Meeting Announcements

March 20, 2010 at 9 AM SLT/PST. If you do not have the landmark, please ask Orange Planer in-world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the value of Certification?

The primary value of certification is to those hiring people to create content for them in SL. Specifically, it answers the question "where can I find a group of contractors that I can interview for work I need done?" Certification is a strong indication that someone has at least a minimum set of skills. Certification is only one of many ways to demonstrate competency.

Certification also provides a set of skills against which anyone in Second Life, whether they build for fun or for hire, can measure their accomplishments.

By more clearly defining skills related to Second Life tools, certification may improve the quality of construction in Second Life, and may encourage a broader range of instruction about the Second Life tools.

Portfolios already show if someone is competent; why do we need certification?

Not everyone has an extensive portfolio, despite obvious skill and talent. Portfolios have a valuable role in demonstrating accomplishment, both in RL and SL. In Second Life, many projects are done collaboratively. Builds can incorporate content that is bought and created, and many people can be involved. It can be hard to look at a project and understand what a particular person has contributed. Certification provides one method of demonstrating your own skill set. It should be only one of many potential ways to evaluate a candidate.

Is Linden Lab mandating certification?

You can chose to be certified if you want, or not. Linden Lab has no intent to monitor or mandate that Second Life content be created only by Residents with certification, or to mandate certification in any way. Nor will Certification (or non-certification) be tied by Linden Lab in any way to land ownership, group membership, membership level, or any other attribute of a Second Life account. While Linden Lab may provide a way for those listed in the Developer Directory to identify certification, it will not require it for the Developer Directory, Classifieds, Events, or any other Linden Lab-operated listing service.

Is Linden Lab mandating content of certification?

Linden Lab has engaged the Residents in defining the skills involved in competency, and in developing the appropriate demonstration of those skills. Linden Lab is not defining the skills nor the demonstration of them.

Will it cost money? Does Linden Lab intend to profit by Certification?

Linden Lab was looking to have a third party organization manage certification; we don't want the administrative hassle of doing it, nor the potential for anyone to claim that we would have influence on who gets certified. We intend to make certification as widely available as possible. We will work with Residents, Instructors and Developers to find the best way to enable certification.

Who will be providing the Certification service?

The SL Certification Developers group will be providing the certification service. SL Certification Developers welcomes input from anyone, although it reserves judgment on whether the input is valuable. Linden Lab has no intent of operating the certification service.

At this time, the only answer we can give is "Not Linden Lab." We will work with the Residents who participate in developing certification to find the best provider - whether a Resident, an external third party, or some other provider. Ironically, our original reason for only considering an external provider was to prevent any concern that one group of Residents might use Certification against other Residents. Linden Lab has no intent of operating the Certification service - we don't have the expertise or resources, nor do we want the inevitable accusations of bias.

Will certification make it harder to become competent in using Second Life tools?

Certification is a way to more clearly communicate skills. Without certification, everyone has their own idea of what competency is. Some classes will teach one set of skills, others another, and outcomes aren't comparable. That's why we're involving SL instructors in this project.

Learning to use SL Tools will still take the same amount of effort. Certification will help guide builders and scripters in what they ought to learn in order to achieve particular measurable standards.

How will information on who is certified by made available?

Residents who are certified will be listed on a public website, along with what certifications they hold.

Can we do certification in Second Life?

At least one Resident has started building a set of in-world tasks that could become part of a certification system. This seems preferable to having external tests/tasks.

Certification Categories

Categories for certification will be varied, and will grow or shrink over time. The basic principal behind the certification process is to provide as wide an array of subjects as possible, and involve residents with skills in these areas.

Currently the following categories are being developed at Skills Lists above.

The certification skillsets were completed in 3rd Quarter 2010 but will be reviewed as technology changes.

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