Welcome to ShaheraZade: A Second Life for learning!

StoryKeepers is a special group for those interested in digital storytelling and exploring the craftsmanship of reading/writing of multimedia.

Ruyi Keepers is the general group meaning “as you like” for all those who are interested in ShaheraZade’s at-large community events and gatherings.

Hosted by Bernajean Porter

aka CharZeee Kitaj (SL)

Enter Sesame

So whether you are a seasoned “inworld” avatar or just getting started - join us as we launch a collaborative venture of creative learning, credited courses, e-resources, and amazing inworld intellectual playgrounds!

Credited courses along with workshops are expected to launch late fall 2008 bringing educators creative new experiences with engaging skills, topics, group tools and virtual worlds that are capturing the imaginations of learners everywhere.

In the beginning long ago and . . . just yesterday

Several months ago I commented to many of my friends that I just found reality too confining and needed an alternative universe. The high stakes pressure and spirit drain of students and teachers in our classrooms was wearing down my own spirit energy for hope and renewal.

I was reminded of Lily Tomlin’s play, In Search for Intelligence in the Universe. “Reality is considered a leading cause of stress for those who chose to be in touch with it - a silent form of crowd control believed to be thought up by our space chums. But it just too confining and I needed to let go of something - so decided that reality was going to be optional.” Reality has to be agreed upon - it can not hold us from imagined lives unless we collude with the myth that there are no other choices –agreeing with others that this is as good as it gets.

Oddly enough . . . an opportunity to fall into Second Life came along - and Voile! a new spirit playground emerged as my alternative universe! How creative, freeing and inspiring it has been to hook up with a world of imagination and many new friends. And suddenly I am finding ShaheraZade an unexpected alternative universe re-energizing my own real life work with a vision for nurturing other educators as well.

While there are many realities in our school lives today, quitting or yielding to consensual reality is NOT an option when we have chosen the sacred work of raising a generation for greatness.

We have work to do - legacies to leave! Let ShaheraZade be one place to begin to join our forces and special powers - and nourish our own spirits along the way.