I am excited to announce that this year our social studies classroom is going to add a new learning tool to our toolbox. We will begin to use the virtual world Second Life as part of our learning process. This virtual learning tool allows students to create an avatar, a graphic representation of the user, with a unique identity and name who can explore worlds that have already been created. All of our interactions will be limited to the people in our classroom, and all of your children's interactions will be safe.
There are three main reasons that I have decided to add this learning tool to our classroom. First, it is a way to connect with students on a level that they are comfortable with. Many young people are already using video games and virtual realities on a regular basis outside of school. Allowing them to hone this literacy and use it in an educational and productive way will help them to understand its value beyond a simple distraction from reality.
Second, this technology will allow all of us to explore places and ideas in history that we otherwise would not be able to visit. For example, there is a virtual place called Roma that is based on ancient Rome. The Sistine Chapel and ancient Mayan civilizations are just two of the many other examples of places we can go in this virtual reality. Teachers often show videos of these places, which is a decent way to bring history to life. But if students are able to actually be there, then their understanding will be even more expanded, and they are more likely to engage with the material.
Finally, the use of virtual worlds and avatars sets an even playing field for all students, and allows them to build their confidence. Being able to choose another form, personality, and name gives students some control when they might otherwise be struggling their identity. Second Life also allows students who would not normally interact with each other to do so in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
If you'd like to give Second Life a try, you can go to secondlife.com and sign up for free. Of course, we will not be using this program on a regular basis, and it will be an enhancement tool, not the sole tool for teaching. If you have questions or would like to discuss this more, please feel free to email me at Kkondrat@gmail.com.
Best,
Katy Kondrat
8th grade social studies
2 comments:
I also feel like second life could be really nice addition to my classroom. I like how you described why you would like to use it in your own classroom. How your students can visit a replica of Rome in their virtual world is extremely cool and I can see how and why you would use it. I think we all should give this new technology a chance.
Thanking you for explaining it so clearly. As a parent I would feel comfortable having my child use it in your classroom.
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