This is a shot of my avatar in what I think was a dace club of some sort. I discussed this site with a few different teachers. None of the teachers were familiar with it. I wasn't surprised because I was very unfamiliar with it, as well. It was an interesting site that had a lot to offer. I am not really an online socializer and nor were these teachers, therefore will all agreed there was some nervousness attached to using something of this sort for educational purposes. It could definitely be used to set up a virtual classroom or community that is private. I feel the reason that this presents some anxiety to teachers is that these are real people that have the ability to communicate with our students. If a private room was set up and our students only accessed that area it could be a great learning tool. A few different classes could join and an assignment could be created that required students to work with other avatars form different classrooms. This would definitely cover New Literacies and collaboration amongst students. It may also provide students who are shy or lack social skills to be more comfortable in speaking with others and sharing ideas. This virtual classroom could also be used outside of the school. Students could ask each other questions or discusses homework assignments and projects.
I am with you Amy! I find it a little disconcerting to wander around in these online environments. It seems voyeuristic and I am concerned about the safety and the openness of the platform. I am interested in seeing how it can really be used in an educational setting.
ReplyDeleteAmy, i think you raised a few good points here. I like what you aid about students who may lack social skills being able to truly shine in this environment. I agree that in some cases just being being a screen really opens people up and allows them to express themselves without feeling stage-fright or anxiety that they may feel in front of a live class. I am somewhat familiar with social media and i think these new games and applications like Second Life, Facebook, and Twitter are going to continue to grow and evolve and will indeed become great tools for education! But i guess we will have to wait and see.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, I agree with your point about Second Life causing anxiety for teachers because students are vulnerable and impressionable. I would hate for some werido to be have access to them.
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