Synchronicity

Allrighty then!

These initial modules are enough to get you started in the virtual world experience. Virtual Bacon is currently creating additional modules, including the next one that will introduce the scripting language of SecondLife that allows you to create simple scripts to give your objects animation and actions. Now that will be cool, huh?

But for now, let's take a moment and reflect on what we've done and experienced so far. Many traditional visitors to Second Life are disturbed by the 'strange' appearances and behaviors they see in-world during their first visits. They also wonder aloud about the actual value of the shopping, the clubs, the 'stuff'. The initial reaction is often that while Second Life may be 'fun' for many people, it is just too complex, and too shallow to have any broad and lasting value or impact. Much has been written along those lines.

The sad part of that view is that decisions are being made far too early. They have just gotten off the plane and see all the hotels and clubs around the airport...and haven't had the time to see the museums, theaters, beaches and the real treasures of the land. While Second Life does have it's challenges, it also provides very unique opportunities to create learning experiences not possible through other modalities. Even more interesting, I believe there is much to be learned about the cultural transition we are facing in the world by viewing the acting out of that transition in this virtual environment.

And it also helps to remember, the confusion, frustration and unease many of us feel in the virtual environment of the digital culture is basically the same feelings our digital learners have as they are asked to leave their culture in the hallways and enter our classrooms, built upon our cultural norms and expectations.

At this point, Virtual Bacon would really appreciate it if you would send him a brief email describing your first-thoughts.

Please send an email to: jjamison@imagilearning.com

In that email, tell VB about your experience....if it helps, you could copy and paste the following questions in your message and add your responses there.

- Overall, how would you describe your experience in the virtual world?


- Do you play digital games regularly, or was this one of your first intros to this kind of environment?


- What was the most difficult part of the experience?


- What was the best part of the experience?


- Do you have any specific ideas you would like to explore to use this technology in your teaching and learning?


- Do you have recommendations for improving the modules?


ONE LAST THING----

Virtual Bacon is interested in working with other educators who want to explore this environment for teaching and learning. Let him know if you would like to talk further about Secondlife, imagiLEARNING or are interested in membership in the imagiLEARNING Learners Group. Either use email, or send an IM (instant message) to Virtual Bacon the next time you are in SecondLife.

"IM? You didn't teach us about IM!"

Nope, that's a future module. But as an act of discovery-learning give it a shot......

In real life, Virtual Bacon is currently doing Phd research on virtual game-based environments for learning, and is the director of a Gaming and Simulation Program for a major university.


Return to the Introduction

Resources for Digital Worlds, Games and Learning