VPLU LAYOUT (PHASE 1):
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Featured above is a map of the virtual spaces that users can access in VPLU. Each space is based on an area in the Anderson University Center. Upon clicking on a virtual room, the user's virtual character will enter into the room. Provided below is an overview of each of the virtual rooms you can visit.
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NOTE: Character featured in toolbar is the character design from MYVMK (a fan recreation of Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom game). The PLU branding was added as an example design for the development of VPLU.
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Lute Academic Meeting Space:
The "Meeting Space" is based on the seating area in the AUC, located near the entrance of the Old Main Market and the Commons. This virtual room is designed with virtual tables and chairs, as well as the scenery from the outside of OMM. The Meeting Space is designed for academic use.
Group project button: This tool is available for students currently involved in a group project, in which students can meet with their group on VPLU. After clicking the button, students will access a list of open rooms which can be reserved for a group. The user who selects the room can grant room accessibility only to students their group if they wish, simply by adding the VPLU usernames of their teammates into the room access box.
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Tutoring button: Students can communicate with student tutors through VPLU by clicking "tutoring." The student can then access a list of different rooms, each with a tutor suited for the subject. The student and tutor can communicate through the chat bar; a virtual whiteboard will also be available to use.
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Study button: This tool is convenient for students who wish to connect with other students in their major and/or class, if they have a question about a concept or would like to talk about their classes. This tool can also be used if a student wishes to meet with a tutor on VPLU.
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Lute Social Meeting Space:
"The Cave" is a virtual representation of The Cave on the bottom floor of the AUC. The Cave is a space for students, and is considered a lounge for commuter students at PLU. The Cave offers a lounge for students to meet with friends, study, play games, or simply relax. Seating areas and couches are provided. PLU Student Community Advocates are available in The Cave to interact with students. The stage inside of The Cave is used for "Late Knight" - a talk show live program with news, special guests, games, and music performances. In VPLU, The Cave will serve as a lounge and chat room.
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Daily Newsletter:
In addition to the social and academic meeting spaces, VPLU users can stay updated with latest PLU campus news with the daily newsletter. The newsletter, which is called "Campus Happenings", will offer an abundance of information to students. For example, the newsletter will feature daily or upcoming events, performances, tabling events, study abroad programs, campus resources, and public service announcements. The newsletter can also emphasize daily events or updates in VPLU.
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VPLU Tools:
"VPLU Tools" is a place where users can access multiple options for their experience in VPLU. It is not a "toolbar" in the sense that it is located in a strip toward the bottom of the screen, but operates like one. Yet, users can access it by visiting the virtual map.
Through VPLU Tools, users can customize the appearance of their virtual character, in terms of clothing, hairstyle, and physical apperance. Users create their own character upon creating an account but can update this appearance at any point through the toolbar. As for clothing, there are options for both generic designs, and designs specifically designed with the PLU brand - inspired by the Lute Locker.
The toolbar is also where users can edit their virtual profile - which is designed as their own "Virtual Lute Card." This profile, which can be viewed by all other users online, lists the username of the user; the user can also write a few sentences about themselves and their role at PLU. The toolbar also displays a list of all the user's friends on VPLU.
Additionally, the toolbar is the place where users can privately send messages to their friends. Additionally, When users need help in VPLU, there is an option within the toolbar, to allow the user to communicate with one of the PLU student leaders who is part of the VPLU team. When a user clicks the button to communicate, a chat window will appear, in which the user can ask questions or address concerns.
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Once students click on one of the options, a list will open, offering clones of the same virtual room as the Lute Academic Meeting Space. This list allows students to select the room they need. For a group project, a user can select one of the open rooms, title the room, and customize who has access (which is their team members). If a student wants to find a tutor, they can select the room which accompanies to the field they are studying.
Once users arrive, they will see three different options. Students can click on an option, in which they can select the room they need. The rooms are a series of duplicates of the Lute Academic Meeting Space).
With artistic murals and plenty of seating areas, The Cave offers plenty of seating areas, and even board games for students to play. The environment of the Cave is designed to be welcoming and relaxing.
Design of virtual characters on MYVMK - New Year's Eve Celebration on Dec. 31, 2018).
A note about VPLU Safety:
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VPLU is intended to be a fulfilling and welcoming experiences for PLU students. VPLU was designed for students at PLU - and VPLU staff members - to enter into the virtual world. As VPLU is intended only for students, it aims to offer a more secure place for students.
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To sign-in, students will likely need to verify their PLU ID number. Users will also need to familiarize themselves with the rules and guidelines, as well as information about staying safe in the virtual world. Active messages about staying safe will frequently be posted throughout VPLU.
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VPLU users are encouraged to report any concerning activity. If users feel uncomfortable, they can report the incident, which will be investigated by one of the VPLU student staff members. VPLU users can simply open their virtual toolbar, and use the messaging tool to connect with a VPLU student staff member.