Sharon Collins Author

Elizabeth Hodge, PhD is currently an Associate Professor of Business and Information Technologies at East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina. She holds a BS from Ithaca College, MS from East Carolina University, and received her PhD in Higher Education Administration with a concentration in finance and policy at the University of Florida. Dr. Hodge serves as the 2nd VP of the North Carolina Business Education Association and is an active member of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Dr. Hodge as dedicated her professional career to integrating technology tools that will engage students in the learning process. Furthermore, she strives to incorporate experimental research design in the courses she offers to uncover solutions for developing online learning communities. Presently, she is experimenting using Virtual Environments to immerse her students in the learning process. The integration of innovative technologies is what helps Dr. Hodge make a connection with her online students. She resides in New Bern, North Carolina with her husband and two children. Sharon Collins has a BS in Business from Mount Olive College, a Master's degree from East Carolina University in Education and Instructional Technology, and is currently working on her PhD with Walden University in Applied Management and Information Systems. The first few years of her professional career were spent with the Federal government. Eighteen years have been spent with the academic community at a community college and now at East Carolina University. Experience includes work on virtual environments such as Second Life as a land owner, instructional designer, technical support, and consultant. Sharon worked on a Department of Defense grant investigating collaborative technologies and distance education solutions. Further experience includes web-conferencing platforms such as Centra, Content Management Systems, computer programming, public relations, web page development, training, server support, and mobile devices. She is also a member of the Evolving Technologies Group (EDUCAUSE), currently serving as chairperson, and a graduate of the EDUCAUSE Management Institute, Boulder 2006. She has presented at several national, regional, international, and local conferences on technology. She resides in Greenville, North Carolina with her fiance and children. Tracy Giordano earned her undergraduate degree in English from East Carolina University and has been working with the University's Academic Outreach Technology Services since early 2008. As an experienced end user of MUDs, MUVEs, and MMORPGs, the crossover to the development of VE content was a natural transition. Within Second Life, she is an expert builder and custom designs and scripts tools and builds for use within the educational sector. As the Early College High School Coordinator, she oversees and facilitates the fully, synchronous integration of Second Life into the college credit courses which are offered to local area high school students for dual credit at both institutions. Her experiences include both content development and estate management. On the main grid, some of her projects include work with the Wounded Warriors and collegiate course content development.