I do not see a reason to use this application in my classroom. With that being said, I do believe that there is a place for the virtual world in the classroom. As long as it is a completely educational based program, I would love for my students to be involved.
A year ago, I signed up for Second Life when I had to do the same type of assignment for a different class. The graphics are better and seem to run smoother than a year ago. It is also easier to fly and walk without interuptions. With that being said, I do like going to the "Real" destination such as Africa and the Eiffel Tower. I also like the fact that songs are piped into each destination that match. I am not a fan of the chat feature and the people are a little....well lets just say they are a little different. In Africa, I ran into a guy who was wearing a tail and vampire fangs and was chilling in the middle of the watering hole (yes, underwater). I walked into the pond because I could see his little name in the middle of the water and I just had to check it out. He he! I just chuckled (to myself, not virtually) and walked away. Even though I'm on the other side of my computer, some of those people still give me the willies! :)
On a side note, does anyone out there watch The Office? Second Life reminds me of the episode that Dwight uses Second Life. I believe he says, "A year ago, my life was so great that I wanted to create a second one. In my Second Life I am also a paper salesman and my name is Dwight." Bahhhhhh! Ok, so I feel that Second Life is a silly thing and all I can think about is Dwight.
Here is my picture of my Avatar standing on the Friendship Tower in Selmo Park. Enjoy.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI too agree that the whole thing is a little silly and I would just rather live in this life!
Wendy
HAHA. I love that episode of The Office! Only some people know what I am talking when I mention that episode.
ReplyDeleteIt seems there are many of us who feel the same way about SL. When you, and I noticed some of the other people are talking about the 'real' destionations - don't you still think it is more interesting and enjoyable just to watch a documentary or real video footage of that place? Instead of seeing a fake virtual image? I DO! =)
Ashley, I have been thinking the same thing about this wasting time and that it would pull people even further from reality. I keep remembering my experience of going to the lodge to "dance" because I really didn't enjoy that like I do when I really dance and get the exercise!
ReplyDeleteThe first time I used SL, we had to friend our classmates and there was more of a support network getting started. I missed having some common friends experiencing the same things I was going through. One night we met our instructor in commons building and it was nice to share our experiences, this time I did not encounter anyone so it was very lonely.
ReplyDeleteGlenda, I remember chatting with classmates and the instructor the first time in SL! I couldn't even sit in the chair to join the group until someone told me what to do.
ReplyDeleteAnother great title :) Great post too! Negative/positive it's nice to have had the opportunity to read your thoughts on the different projects/apps that we've been using in class. On the The Office... I only watch a few. I now might have to catch it on Hulu or Netflix :) That's too funny though :):)
ReplyDeleteSavitri,
ReplyDeleteI like to think that I am a pretty funny person. I have a child-like yet dry sense of hilarity. Coming up with the titles are sometimes my favorite part. :) You for sure have to watch more of The Office. I haven't seen the new season, but I could practically quote every epidsode of the other 6 season! My only suggestions is start from the Pilot. Some ppl think that they are boring or they don't understand them...got to start from the beginning. ENJOY!