Sep 04 2007
The Internet and its vast possibilities – specifically, virtual worlds
Virtual worlds have been in the forefront of my mind lately. I have explored virtual worlds - secondlife is one such example - but the extent of my exploration has been secondary not primary. I am a participant in virtual worlds not a creator of them. I attend groups and discuss possibilities of virtual worlds in education. I spend time exploring places I want to learn more about and the complexities of virtual worlds themselves but I have not stepped boldly to the next level - that of creator. I am unsure how to take this next step. Some questions that I have
How can we as educators move to the next level- that of creator? How can we as educators facilitate our students jump into that of creator in these worlds and not merely remain in the role of participant? Is it even worth it to make this jump? Will it have any more educational value to create rather than participate in virtual worlds?
I attempted to apply for a plot of land for one semester in secondlife to explore these questions first hand with my students. I wanted to take a look at creation and its benefits. The response I received was ‘NO’ due to the increase of applications for semester plots. I was very disappointed but I am also very excited that many educational institutions are applying for plots of land to investigate and explore virtual worlds for a semester with their students. I slowly plan to take this next step, that of creator, to begin to determine the effectiveness of virtual worlds from a constructivist stand point (knowledge creation). Possibly, my answers will come sooner than later with the influx of educational institutions applying and receiving plots of land in secondlife.
