Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Second Life

For my choice this week I decided to check out the website called Second Life.  I have never even heard of this site before so I really didn't know what to expect.  I did some research and found out that this is basically a virtual reality space, like the computer game the sims.  You get to pick out your own identity, create your own living space and interact with other people on the web.  This site allows you to be whomever you want to be.

Now educational wise, this does not seem like a site to have in schools.  Besides being able to communicate with others I don't really foresee and positive educational sources coming out of this.  Also, you never really know if who you are talking to is who they say they are.  Everyone has a virtual character to represent them and no one would know if you were lying about who you are, so no one can ever really know if the people they are meeting are who they say they are.

Perhaps this could be a website encouraged for those who are shy.  Many adolescence go through periods of self-consciousness, and many others even face socialization anxiety.  This interactive site could help some who faces those hurdles.  Other then that I wouldn't advertise something like this in the classroom, especially at the elementary level where I plan to teach.

http://secondlife.com/

1 comment:

  1. This is the first i have heard about this site. Is it being used in classrooms? Is the website targeted for school age children meant to be used in a classroom? I agree with your worries over this. How does a teacher or parent know who their students are talking to? I also do not see how this site is in any way educational. However if students are monitored i could see how it wouls be fun and appealing to them

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