Journal 7

Virtual Worlds

1) A virtual world is an online community, in which computer users interact with each other as characters of his or her choice. These characters are "avatars", or a 3-dimensional model of oneself, a representation. The avatars live in a computer simulated environment, which offers perpetual stimuli to the user, who then reacts, and can alter and affect this virtual world. Thus, the user/avatar experiences and acts in real-time. These communities include Second Life, Wee World, Whyville, and SIMS.

2)Threaded Discussions:

1. Second Life? This discussion centers around the specific virtual world, Second Life, which is similar to the game, SIMS. The discussion actually dates back to over 3 years ago, and to using this technology for classroom benefits. Some teachers have used this game to actually "teach" students in a real class setting, just, well... virtually. To most teachers, this sounded pretty far out. The discussion was a flow between programming experts and 60 year old 1st grade teachers, so it was pretty interesting. One programmer discusses how these technologies are better used for the visual effects, such as giving students a complete 180 degree, 3-D view of things not normally viewed, such as an internal organ, the solar system, or Civil War battlefield. There are also discussions of ELL teachers using this to help students have discussions in English. I think some of these ideas are great, but the idea of Second Life itself just kind of creeps me out. Whatever happened to teaching young students to be proud of who they are? That looks aren't everything? It seems to me that encouraging students to use and alter ego in the classroom might really start giving him or her a complex. Not to mention NONE of these characters are unattractive and they have bodies like that of a 7'6 Barbie doll who might topple over because of the 17 inch waist and her 36E bust. I dunno, when Mrs. Krabbaple goes from the 45 year old, little round 3rd grade teacher, to Laura Croft, Tombrader... students might get the wrong idea.
2. 3D Multiplayer Games and Virtual Worlds: Empirical Research and Case Studies This discussion begins with someone named Mark Lee asking for information regarding use of "3D multi-player online games and virtual worlds for collaborative learning". He is intending to create an empirical study, rather than theoretical, of practice in this area. A lot of fellow professors and teachers volunteer information, and links to other research. One mentions the Rover City Project, which is "a multi-user virtual environment for learning scientific inquiry and 21st century skills", and it seems like a great way to teach students. There is also mention of SLanguages, a national conference for virtual and language learning. I had no idea so much research had been done on using technology like this in the classroom! At the conference, practitioners and researchers in the field of language education in Second Life met to collaborate ideas and show languages and cultures within the 3D virtual world. I have to admit, reading some of this looking at all the major universities that have done research called "Games for Learning" or "Wii fitness in a classroom setting" is pretty amazing. I'm beginning to re-think this concept!