As technology presses forward, we inevitably create sub-realities in which we can communicate with virtual realities, as well as with each other. Our “avatar” personalities are reflection of ourselves in some way, and while the design look and environment are fictional, the interaction and teachings are very real.
Educators are taking this new dimension, and taking advantage of its design to help keep students interested and engaged with the learning process. No longer will students need to squint at a blackboard or decipher a teacher’s handwriting. The learning takes place in exotic places previously unattainable.
Second Life, Second Chance
When Second Life initially was “Go for Launch”, many believed it would revolutionize the world as we knew it. Millions would flock to the new world in some great cyber-migration, and people who foresaw the coming rush would be in a perfect position to profit. Strange how things workout differently, isn’t it? But, the ambitious project had not been completely lost. The field of education saw any previously unseen.
By allowing students to make fun “avatars” with which they would operate in the virtual world, certain facets of learning could be facilitated and accelerated. The idea was discussed and in the end tested. The effects were undeniable, and new approaches to use this virtual reality emerge daily.
The 3 Dimensional Revolution
See how movies have suddenly become obsessed (again) with creating things in Three-Dimensional? Some of these hit and some of them miss, however in the end, this resurgence just isn’t without cause. Technology has pushed us ahead again, and that we have new means of delivering old things. Like a ATM card replacing a checkbook, the 3D online world is revolutionizing our interaction. Chat rooms will no longer are simply texts over a screen, but instead two avatars, digital haircuts and all, having a talk over a cup of coffee in a few London café (despite finding yourself in Texas).
Further, free online games are taking advantage of the movement by permitting us to step into our “avatar”, and then sit back and play scrabble with overseas friends. Amazing, isn’t it? We have again were able to re-create our world, bringing it slightly closer to ideal.
It’s almost as if the “avatars” of my brother and I sitting together at a bar, sharing a drink, despite the distance separating us geographically, somehow helps to make the conversation occurring in the chat box a hint better. It sure feels like that. And my “avatar” doesn’t know the difference.
