Second Life:3D Learning Context

How do you feel about this based on your experiences there? How would a 3-D learning context improve learning? How might it hurt learning?

            Second-Life is an online virtual word that allows users to create their own avatars. They are able to interact with others, participate in-group or individual activities and purchase and trade property and services with each other. Colleges and universities, governments, scientists, business companies, and even religion organizations are using it. Second life is limited to users that are over 16, which limits the use in education, grades K-12 (Second Life, 2011).

            I explored the website Second life and joined to create an avatar. This was the first time I had ever used this type of learning context. I was very engaged and enjoyed exploring the possibilities. I think it would benefit college classes because the opportunity to create your own avatar and virtual world is a lot more engaging than sitting in a classroom listening to a professor lecture. This would benefit the students that depend on distance courses. This type of learning context gives students the opportunity to construct their ideas. According to Calogne, a Computer Science professor; students don’t have to be confined to a traditional classroom setting but instead be a part of a virtual online environment where the class is highly engaging, full of social interaction and where the learning process can be seen throughout (Cologne, 2008). Education today is focused on discovery so why not use a virtual classroom to create those opportunities. Although there are many advantages for using this type of learning context there are some drawbacks. Students need to learn how to create avatars and how to use the tools in the virtual world such as how to move, communicate, interact, etc. Another could be that students may become to engaged in their avatar and lose focus in the learning goals. Although virtual worlds do offer opportunities for students to enhance their learning they may not be for everyone. Some students still learn better by being in a real classroom with a real life teacher. As our world continues to advance in technology I think that we will begin to see more of this type of learning.

Second Life. 2011. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Life

Calogne, C. 2008. Educational Frontiers: Learning in a Virtual World. Retrieved http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume43/EducationalFrontiersLearningin/163163