My Second Life Avatar: Lokelani Andel
Summary
Launched in 2003 by Linden Research Lab (home-based in California), Second Life merely started as a social networking site. From there it evolved into something more than socializing. It became a means to hold conferences with other real life businesses (such as Dell, IBM, Wells Fargo, etc.), earn income in which play money turns into real money, and above all, it served as an educational platform for many educators around the world. Depending on the situation -- education, business, or fantasy -- simulated environments are created to emulate real/fantasy life and the avatar is delved into a world of wonder and interest. Everything in Second Life is created by everyone who becomes part of it. In visiting the virtual lands -- or "sims" -- one will find many, many places to increase their knowledge about (e.g.) religion by visiting a Mecca Temple, or the ocean and learn about the different sea animals and their habitat. It is literally a world for teachers to gather ideas (networking/teacher education/resource-sharing), utilizing them (professional development), and perhaps bringing them into our real lives for knowledge, education, and self-enrichment.
My Opinion
As per my previous posting, I am an active member in Second Life since 2005. I have high opinions about this virtual game and both are good and bad. The advantage is the learning environment in which a teacher can engage in with other adults. On the other hand, being around adults has its disadvantages. There is no interaction with children due to legal and obvious reasons, so there is no experience being in a "classroom" full of real kindergartners or senior high school students. On the brighter side, when a child is 13 he/she can get registered in the Teen Grid in Second Life. It is here where adults do actual instruction with middle and high school students. Teachers take the children on field trips and talk about what is going on in that particular part of the sim; sometimes they give quizzes. I feel that Second Life is highly recommended to teachers to learn, collaborate, and create. If a teen enters the Teen Grid (13 - 18 years old), it is highly suggested to keep an eye out on the child. Like any social network, things can get inappropriate when no one is looking.
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John K. Waters (2009, January 01). A Second Life for Educators. The Journal. Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/Articles/2009/01/01/A-Second-Life-For-Educators.aspx?Page=1
Leilani,
ReplyDeleteFirst I read your introduction. Then I read about this article. It was difficult to see where your personal experiences left off and the article started. I think I got a good idea of the article in the summary, and your reactions were on both sides of using Second Live. You labeled both sections which is much appreciated. There were no errors although I did find one in your introduction.
the reference was not of correct format.
Tony
Thanks, Dr. J...I will fix the citation. My personal experiences is ongoing, although I do have to say it has given me a life changing experience! :) Thanks for looking.
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