PIVOTE - Open Source Authoring for Virtual Learning

PIVOTE is an open-source authoring system for learning in virtual worlds. Created by Daden originally for the JISC funded PREVIEW project, PIVOTE is now an open-source project and available for free download and use by anyone.

PIVOTE lets you:

• Create learning exercises on the web using a simple forms based interface
• Create objects in a virtual world such as Second Life which users can use to interact with the exercise
• Play the exercise in Second Life, Open Sim, or on the web or even an iPhone.
• Port exercises between virtual worlds
• Share PIVOTE compatible objects between exercises and institutions
• Rapidly edit exercises to create variations, or custom versions for different skill levels
• Export student performance data for us in VLEs

Learn about PIVOTE

To learn more about PIVOTE you can visit the web site at www.pivote.info, or use the following shortcuts to:

• Read an Introduction to PIVOTE (PDF)
• View (slideshare) or download (PDF) a slide show about PIVOTE
• Watch an introductory video
• Sign up to the mailing list

Getting Started

If you want to use PIVOTE there are two main options:

• Download the software from GoogleCode and install it on your own servers
• Sign up for a free trial at Daden's hosted service (other hosting services may be available in due course) - just email us at pivote@daden.co.uk for details

Whichever you chose you will also need to get hold of the PIVOTE Controller in SL, and some pre-built PIVOTE objects. You can get these from Daden Prime at http://slurl.com/secondlife/Daden%20Prime/209/154/26, or from the PIVOTE Centre at http://slurl.com/secondlife/St%20Georges%20University/123/16/21.

Daden PIVOTE Services

As the creators of PIVOTE Daden is in an excellent position to help you get the best out of this ground-breaking system. Whilst many will be able to use the open source version without assistance most of the time, Daden can help you maximise the potential of PIVOTE in your organisation by:

• Providing a hosted service, so you don't have to download, configure and install software, or keep it up to date
• Helping you create exercises for PIVOTE, and provide training for your own staff
• Creating Second Life PIVOTE objects and environments for your immersive training
• Developing custom extensions to meet your particular needs
• Building interfaces to other virtual worlds and VLEs

Just contact us for details.

More Information

If you'd like more information on PIVOTE, or would like a demo, then please contact as at pivote@daden.co.uk, or call us on +44 (0)121 698 8520, or IM Corro Moseley in SL.