‘‘I really liked doing Second Life. That was a lot of fun, and it was just something cool and new.’’ A student in a Second Life visual communications class.
Studies have proven that there is little difference when it comes to face to face classroom instruction versus an on-line classroom environment. Could this be the future of classrooms? So what are the big differences? The study was conducted using five areas of interest: demographics, student output, computer literacy, attitude, and perceived knowledge. The same instructor taught class face to face and in Second Life. All the students were subjected to the same material, testing, and discussion. The outcome showed students face to face only scored slightly higher than that of Second Life students. If a person took in consideration first time users of Second Life or on-line classes, they would observe slightly lower scores. Getting use to a new style of teaching may take time, but can eventually open a whole new world of learning, while getting a degree.
Is there really that much difference between face to face and virtual, Second Life, learning? Second Life can still offer videos, audio class discussions, instructor lectures, and real class time. All the things surrounding a classroom learning environment can be found within Second Life, without the expensive overhead. Lectures, videos, power point presentations, and student/instructor discussions can be utilized just as in the classroom. Second Life or virtual learning can possibly be the new age classroom using new age technology. Second Life is already a great way to communicate with others from around the world, why not learn with them as well?
Is there really that much difference between face to face and virtual, Second Life, learning? Second Life can still offer videos, audio class discussions, instructor lectures, and real class time. All the things surrounding a classroom learning environment can be found within Second Life, without the expensive overhead. Lectures, videos, power point presentations, and student/instructor discussions can be utilized just as in the classroom. Second Life or virtual learning can possibly be the new age classroom using new age technology. Second Life is already a great way to communicate with others from around the world, why not learn with them as well?
Reference:
Lester, P., & King, C. (2009). Analog vs. Digital Instruction and Learning: Teaching Within First and Second Life Environments. Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, 14(3), 457-483. doi:10.1111/j.1083-6101.2009.01449.x.
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