When we first learned how to use SecondLife, I must say, I was a little apprehensive to even touch the damn thing the next week. Maybe it was because of the speedy start off lesson that resulted in minds spinning all around the classroom, or the fact that we were holding a syllabus that seemed to be a duplicated novel of the hobit in weight, or the fact that the last time I even attempted to play a video gaming “system” was about 7-8 years ago. However, after trial and error of building random objects within the world, I felt more and more at ease when attempting to build something. From there I found myself acting as some kind of “Virtual Interior Decorator”, and spending countless hours designing a room, that theoretically had nothing to do with the project, but made the world so much more aesthetically pleasing.
I feel that this kind of virtual simulation could go far in a classroom setting, mostly because once the framwork has been laid on how to use the game, the creation is all in the mind of the user. He or she can augment the world to their liking, and a teach can find out different ways to challenge the student. The virutal world provides a type of “experience” that the student can see without feeling. An by creating a experience for the student to learn in, learning transfer can ultimately happen, and not only happen, but broaden that student’s field of vision.
This type of virtual environment can recreate a student’s creativity, one of which may have been beaten down from an early age. Instead of limiting the way in which students think, we should be strengthening what they can do best, and propelling them forward to express themselves uniquely through this type of virtual world software.
I would agree that you were the virtual interior decorator. You really did a good job creating different objects for the island. It is interesting how you talked about the student’s creativity. I think you made some interesting points in your post. Hopefully programs like this can be used effectively in the class.
Technological advances will definetly help, not hinder, student creativity. Students who would play this virtual game may find that programming is something that they may be really interested in, and may want to create their own virtual world, like Second Life.
And it’s great that students can actually “experience” something without actually being there! Imagine the possibilties for someone in a small town in the middle of South Dakota!
I like your optimistic outlook of the potential that virtual worlds hold. They really do open the eyes of students, but I think that the technology must be improved enough that distractions don’t occur. Is this even possible, though? Technology is always improving and it’s hard to keep up! For example, Second Life (for me) was kind of slow and glitchy–and I found that my avatar was hard to control at some moments. BUT, how else would I be able to fly around an island if it weren’t for this program? I found myself constantly overlooking these imperfections because what was going on in front of me was actually pretty awesome.
We can successfully use virtual worlds as learning tools, but I guess we need to be forgiving when it comes to their flaws.
I agree with the fact that SecondLife can serve as a creative outlet for certain individuals. The world has put many restrictions on how the mind should present information. I see SecondLife becoming a program in which destroys the limitations in which students think. I totally agree with you!
Easily one of the best qualities of second life is that the creativity is only as limited as the user. And you’re right, i felt like an interior decorater at times. Like David Tutera, but with second life. LOL!!!
I agree that this world will help in the creativity department. As younger generations grow up, this creativity could spark and there could be new ideas for different ways to engage the learners, which will make learning even more interactive.
I had similar feelings at the start of this project. Utter terror. I also did some virtual interior decorating to help visual appeal! I also agree that using a vehicle like this could stimulate long-stifled creativity in some people!
I felt the same when we start working in our project and i was nervous. I think Second life is more about decorating your place and make it looks good.
You made a point that should not be overlooked…the amount of time that it takes to build in this environment. If you get a teaching or training position, you will not have the luxury of spending countless hours perfecting your virtual world. There are other tools that will produce great educational content with a much smaller time investment.