I stumbled upon an interesting and relevant article today concerning Second Life. With more Universities teaching classes in Second Life’s virtual world, Georgia State University has constructed a virtual island within Second Life to teach Professors how to teach courses in the game (many Second Lifers actually get offended when Second Life is referred to as a game). I initially did not believe that Second Life could be a very valuable teaching tool. This article, however, provides some interesting examples of how it can be used. “For example, architecture students can build a virtual house instead of simply designing one on paper. Clothing design students can hold a virtual fashion show. Business students can start a company and see how it does without risking startup capital. And other students can see the impact of a tsunami or hurricane coming ashore.” One professor praises Second Life for providing a place where students can experience things that might be too expensive or too dangerous in the real world. While I initially doubted that Second Life would be anything more than a game I have to admit that I may have been a little short sighted. The practical implications of Second Life, as well as other forms of virtual reality, could be huge. Someone on this blog likened Second Life to the Matrix and that comparison may not be to far off. I think the fact that Ailin Graef, a Second Life real estate baroness, has made over one million real dollars in Second Life is a testament to its power.
Here's a link to the article: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22115492/
Comments (3)
I'm really glad that you decided to post this. I too was skeptical of the on-line courses through second life, but hearing more thoroughly how they work makes me think that perhaps they aren't so ridiculous. I'd love if you could throw out a link to this article, I'd love to read it! And there definitely is some value in designing a house or clothes virtually - you can really see what you're doing and there's little point in fighting against moving towards working on computers, it's where we're all headed anyways...
Posted by Catherine | December 5, 2007 6:59 PM
Posted on December 5, 2007 18:59
I agree that it can be a great tool. But I feel that all of these virtual things would just make you better at creating something virtual and not really prepare you for the real life thing. In creating a business or holding a fashion show there are so many details and hoops to jump through that would never be considered in the virtual world. And there would be much to learn in creating the virtual version that would never be used in the real world. It's a good idea, but it's the kind of thing that we all want to believe so we can sit on our bums in front of a computer, avoid human contact, and convince ourselves that we are preparing ourselves for "the real world", when in fact, we are just sitting in front of the computer on our bums being antisocial. Economical though probably.
Posted by staylor | December 6, 2007 5:00 PM
Posted on December 6, 2007 17:00
wow...that's pretty crazy, i would never think that something like that would actually happen. but it really does make sense it terms of art/design students. you could get so many more projects done if they were online! it would also make it so much easier to change and edit at the last minute. i agree with you that i always (well i kindof just learned about it) thought it was just a game, but after hearing this it does seem that it has the possibility to be a unique teaching tool.
Posted by akdub | December 7, 2007 3:39 PM
Posted on December 7, 2007 15:39