183212 Safe Sex In Second Life: A web-based collaboration between Illinois Dept of Public Health, University of Illinois @ Springfield, and Chicago state University

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Veronica Elizabeth Halloway, BA, MA , Center for Minority Health Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, IL
Doris Jean Turner , Center for Minority Health Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, Springfield, IL
Topic Description

Use of internet technology to develop an asynchronous immersive training experience for people of color regarding the transmission and prevention of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. This training occurs in a virtual world known as "Second Life" where participants will assume a second life with an avatar and interact with other avatars online. Through this experience individuals can assume the personality of many characters including those both impacted and infected with various diseases.

Presentation Format

Session will be interactive with a discussion of model development, implementation, and strategies and online demonstration. (High speed internet access required.)

Issues to be Discussed

Current HIV trends in communities of color; awareness, outreach and education strategies and their methodology; program development and implementation; and demonstration of technology.

Solutions, Methods, Models, or Examples

View and participate in a Safe Sex on Second Life demonstration

Learning Objectives:
Understand how the HIV/AIDS epidemic is affecting communities of color througout the world. Understand why we should apply internet technologies to help combat the disease globally Have a general understanding of the internet application called "Second Life". Understand how "Second Life" can be used to promote public health issues.

Keywords: Behavior Modification, HIV/AIDS

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am responsible for the project.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

See more of: Innovative Methods, Models, Strategies in Public Health Technology
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