This is an interesting video reflection on learning in SL. Why have learning environments consist of traditional classrooms when so much more can be done? Where's the creativity?
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5731438792551959119&q=second+life+pedagogy&total=5&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=1
I think so many educators, even those with rich technology backgrounds, are hesitant to learn and use constructivist learning techniques. As we progress through the various levels of the educational system so much emphasis is put on efficient teaching and not on quality learning. Teachers distribute activities without any thought to the various learning styles their students possess.
ReplyDeleteStudents who later become teachers see this traditional style as the most accepted method and feel pressure from superiors to conform to this style. Occasionally, movements towards more constructivist teaching methods may arise, but not at the institutional level.
Second Life may offer a more constructivist environment, but may also fall under the same circle of familiarity that the real educational system finds itself in. Hopefully both real and virtual educational systems will realize the value of constructivist methods in time.
I kind of agree with west, I think people are hesitant because we haven't gone through that particular paradigm shift yet. So we try to make things look comfortable and environments that represent classrooms today tend to convey that sense more.
ReplyDeleteThere is an amount of comfort with things that are familiar. Non-traditional environments can be done in SL and can even be more effective than a traditional environment. However they are quite unfamiliar to most people which can be daunting at first. Many people will never get over that initial fear, and will just be put off from the idea of VEs altogether.
ReplyDeleteIt makes me think about why do we need the traditional learning environment even in the SL? It is kind like sad to know someone feels bored when educators are trying hard to improve the educational system with such new technology. Maybe we should think outside the box. Is the classroom really needed when giving a lesson? Or, is there any interactive function could be added to the setting to improve the learning process? As we experienced, the SL is an effective and efficient alternative in education. However, the use of SL to really engage people in the learning environment other than just sitting on the seat is still under exploration.
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