I am not sure if I have ever visited an online virtual world. I say that I'm unsure because, even after reading the chapter, I could think of places that would use an avatar like character, but I don't think I have used one on the internet before. A few of the avatar like experiences I have had mainly include the Wii Gaming Console, which requires all users to make an virtual picture of themself. This resembles very closely an avatar. Outside of that, and possible the Sims virtual world a few years ago, I have never experienced an online virtual world. In all honesty, it looks to be very silly. I can go along with many of the new features in our textbook, however, with virtual worlds, I just have to put my foot down because it seems like such a waste of time. Probably the main reason I have never visited an online virtual world is because most of them cost money, especially the ones per month. I don't want to be sucked into the trap of playing and paying for something like World of Warcraft. Virtual worlds have never really appealed to me, probably because I enjoy being outside and interacting with people face to face.
Virtual worlds, I can see the benefit of having them in the classroom. Mainly because so many teenagers have trouble with their image and avatars would help them develop socially. Avatars, however, I could also see hurting teenagers self-image because once they turn off the computer, they are still the same person. Educators need to help teenagers develop self-esteem and learn how to accept themselves. Educators need to show love and acceptance to each and every student; this will serve as a great way to build confidence instead of using an avatar. Virtual worlds also seem to be very un-safe. It is almost a breeding ground for cyber bullying, which does need any help in becoming a problem in the classroom. As a teacher, I don't feel I would have as much control in a virtual world as I would have in my real classroom. It just makes me nervous to enter into a virtual world. Also, virtual wolrds really take the experience out of education. Students while in a virtual world don't seem to experience things in the same way as in reality. My thesis is about nature awareness and science achievement, so I have a very biased viewpoint about this issue. I want kids to experience reality, not some virtual world.
I have enjoyed many of the ideas in the textbook, but this is not one of them. Perhaps someone who has more background knowledge could make virtual worlds very effective in the classroom, but I cannot say they will used in mine.
It is OK not to care for virtual worlds. Yes, Sims would qualify here.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure how the cyberbullying would work in a virtual world, since one has a different identity a cyberbully would not know who to pick on. Usually there is a target the bully knows.
Possibly one of the largest opportunities for the use of virtual worlds is in history - to help someone know what it was like to live in a particular era on an day to day basis. In that regard it would be part of a living history. THere also could be potential for better multicultural and cross cultural understandings through virtual worlds. We are still quite a way from having viable education sites of this nature, so far, though.
Thanks for your thoughts. :-)