I would need to see more proof on how to work SecondLife to promote L2. Since I could not find how to re-dress my avatar, find the Spanish-speaking islands or get someone to talk to me, I would prefer some teacher-training even before trying this on "real students". One would have to become pretty proficient before promoting this to students for the first time. I am interested in learning and welcome the opportunity. I believe it can become a tool of the future for educational purposes.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
A Reflection of Second Life; a virtual world for Education
My favorite line, "imagine what a seasoned teacher could make out of an engaging educational experience." This article covered a good definition of virtual schools and gave the opinion of nine teachers who use the system. Engaging students and social learning is crucial to the development of our students. I agree that since most students find technology to be interesting, there is an increase in their level of engagement and may likely retain information. Classes could become more interesting and motivating to students. Yet, virtual worlds are still unknown territory for many educators and administrators. There exits obstacles such as monetary, public opinion, and teacher training. If virtual worlds became the only teaching tool, students would miss out on having mentors and role models. I did not see anyone give an experience with language learning but know that some classmates have told me you can tour for real in places like Barcelona, Spain and Sidney, Australia. The real beauty of playing in a virtual world is that you can choose your avatar's appearance without an indication of socioeconomic, political background or even gender. One teacher mentioned benefits such as resources and information often are needed to be shared in order to advance. These are a few of the benefits of social interaction on learning. Since most virtual worlds are graphic based, and allow other users to observe and imitate a certain culture found within the game, they are sharing and developing culture which is important to the maturation of young adults.
I would need to see more proof on how to work SecondLife to promote L2. Since I could not find how to re-dress my avatar, find the Spanish-speaking islands or get someone to talk to me, I would prefer some teacher-training even before trying this on "real students". One would have to become pretty proficient before promoting this to students for the first time. I am interested in learning and welcome the opportunity. I believe it can become a tool of the future for educational purposes.
I would need to see more proof on how to work SecondLife to promote L2. Since I could not find how to re-dress my avatar, find the Spanish-speaking islands or get someone to talk to me, I would prefer some teacher-training even before trying this on "real students". One would have to become pretty proficient before promoting this to students for the first time. I am interested in learning and welcome the opportunity. I believe it can become a tool of the future for educational purposes.
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Linda,
ReplyDeleteYou made some interesting points about using virtual world technology as a teaching tool. I agree that there are many creative ways that it can be used with foreign language teaching. I agree with you that this is unknown territory and that we must keep up with the research in regard to virtual world technology and receive training ourselves before using it in the classroom. I also firmly believe that virtual world technology has limitations and cannot be used as a substitute for mentoring and role modeling.
Language classes that are very engaged to students, reduce the problems of misbehavior. I also agree with your article that since students love technology, this will enhance their motivation, retention and high level thinking skills. There is also a lot of interaction and students are more attracted to chat online in the target language as they know nobody is there to make fun of them or to judge them. The virtual world also brings a lot of interaction but it needs the presence of the educator as technology complements the lesson, does not replace the whole lesson. In the virtual world, students get the chance to speak with natives in the target language which enhances their conversation skills and also expands their knowledge of culture.
ReplyDeleteA virtual class should be monitored by an educator to ensure students are using it for instructional purposes. Your reflection is very interesting!