While reading this chapter for the first time, I had many concerns with the virtual world sites such as Teen Second Life. We have a problem with predators stocking children in chat rooms using just words. I cannot help but think how easy it would be to lure vulnerable children into destructive or harmful situations when discussions involve real world visual scenarios such as personal relationships, dating and sex if visual avatars are used. I fear young people may get to wrapped up in the make believe and begin to interpret these worlds as real. That being said and with the intent to keep an open mind, I decided to read the chapter two more times.
As I read the chapter again, I began to feel more comfortable with the idea of these virtual worlds. I found virtual worlds be of value if they suit a very specific education goal, the out comes can be proved and teachers carefully monitor student usage for underage programs. For example, medical programs can use virtual worlds to simulate real-life medical conditions or emergencies. Students can play out scenarios without harming patients. These worlds may be used to assist students learning English or students learning foreign languages where they can interact and learn real life scenarios is a safe environment. The Skoolaborate.com offers students the ability to partake in discussions about current events with others students from around the world such as topics about the Middle East and Egypt.
I also checked out SecretBuilder.com and Whyville.com and they are of interest. These sites are inviting to students of all ages including elementary school students. Students can participate in book discussion groups without the fear of being belittled by friends or thought of as a nerd. How many students refrain from participating in other scholarly activities including tutoring programs for the fear of being called stupid? Some of these sites are used to bring courses to students in rural neighborhoods where educational services are limited or not available.
In my opinion, in order for me to partake in these environments and encourage their use, I would have to learn the environments and carefully plan lessons.
I have never been completely sold on the idea of using virtual worlds in education, especially Second Life. The concerns seem to always outweigh the potential benefits. I agree with your assessment Colleen that, in order for a virtual world component to work in a classroom you would need a very specific and well-defined goal.
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