I have been a resident of Second Life (SL) for only three months now. In that time I have done two major bits of research on using SL for educational purposes. The first was looking at different science areas or sims in SL and the second was a whole unit of study based in a virtual world. If you want to see the project that we came up with it is here: http://inrome.ning.com/
The project was about using a virtual world to have students create a walking tour of the ancient Rome sim in SL using information that they collaboratively created.
Another recent article, this time by Sanchez, (2009) states; “Students felt the Second Life environment perpetuated a sense of creativity. They enjoyed having a class assignment that was visual versus a text based assignment such as a term paper” (p. 32). This too makes sense as students are very comfortable with computers and see standard writing, reading, lecture and notes assignments as out of date and uninteresting. It is time that we as educators look at new forms and venues for teaching.
Another thing I have learned in exploring SL and researching these two projects is that using SL for educational purposes takes a lot of planning and buy-in from students. As one study reported, “To maximize the potential of the virtual world platform as a learning environment, educators should recognize its perceived value to students. In addition, they should consider their student’s opinions on their ability to use the system. Findings indicate that the “fun factor” is significantly related to acceptance and use. Taken together educators can pro-actively design the educational activities to ensure a greater likelihood of successful learning outcomes” (Shen & Eder, 2009, p. 231).
To complete your goals in using SL in the classroom the first consideration is to make sure that students are allowed to fully immerse themselves in the virtual environment. If they wish to create avatars in outfits that match the project so much the better. Further, students must be allowed to interact with all the media available in the environment for the most successful educational experience. Most educational sims in SL have a vast amount of interactive materials, games, demonstrations and even pop up films. Also the experience in the virtual world should also be as social as possible. Allow the students to interact with each other as well. Students will be encouraged to ask questions to one another and participate in discussions as the lesson progresses. SL allows both group and private Instant Messaging as well as voice communication.
A final thing that I have learned in using SL is that it teaches to multiple intelligences very well especially in the areas of those who learn visually, audibly, and kinesthetically. This is necessary in virtual worlds as Lori Mestre points out in a recent article, (2006) as the student population becomes more diverse so must the ways that educators teach, especially in our forms of communication. By taking the different learning strategies and multiple intelligences, today’s educators can build a much more creative and positive learning environment that is far more engaging to the material and better promotes learning and research skills (Mestre, 2006, p. 32).
But don’t just take my word for it. See for yourself. Here is a great web wiki of educational resources and projects in SL: http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses
Also, here is a video that talks more about using SL for education:
One final note; look around Second Life and find a group that interests you. There are hundreds of them and no two are alike. I joined up with a group called Happy Hippo. It is a group that teaches building, which is something I have wanted to learn in SL as I see myself as a failed architect. In SL I have an opportunity to build all the things that I was told could never be built. The problem is that building, even in SL is difficult. In doing some research for another project I came upon Happy Hippo. They are a group dedicated to teaching building to all levels and provide a safe, monitored environment that is suitable for younger students. There are several people in the site or on-line to answer questions and give advice. There are also several lessons each month on a different topic of building for every level of expertise. They are also very helpful in setting you up with mentors to let you see how the building process is done and let you help on various projects. My favorite part is the large sandbox area where you can attempt to build and create your own imaginative creations. Here is the SL URL:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Kinetix/165/118/22
References
Dreher, C., Reiners, T., Dreher, N., & Dreher, H. (2009). Virtual worlds as a context suited for information systems education: Discussion of pedagogical experience and curriculum design with reference to Second Life. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 211-224. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Mestre, L. (2006). Accommodating diverse learning styles in an online enviroment. Reference and User Services Quarterly, 46(2), 27-32. Retrieved July 15, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
Sanchez, J. (Feb/Mar 2009). Barriers to student learning in Second Life. Library Technology Reports, 45(2), 29-34. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Academic Search Complete.
Shen, J., & Eder, L. (Sum 2009). Intentions to use virtual worlds for education. Journal of Information Systems Education, 20(2), 225-233. Retrieved July 7, 2009 from Education Research Complete.
No comments:
Post a Comment