Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Games: Improving Education


Educators increasingly recognize the impact of entertainment software and utilize games as a teaching device in a growing number of classrooms and business settings. In doing so, they are embracing the cultural and technological shifts of the 21st century and expanding the use of a favorite leisure activity, computer and video games, into a critical and still-emerging educational resource. More than just play, entertainment software helps impart knowledge, develop life skills and reinforce positive habits in students of all ages. Read more...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Teaching English in Multiple User Virtual Environments

Teaching English in Multiple User Virtual Environments

Jerome Bump wrote a 19 point paper on one of the books he reviewed. Earlier in these pages, Myron Tuman’s 'Word Perfect: Literacy in the Computer Age', seems even more prophetic now than in 1992.

Educators touted, "my students chose Second Life, and they loved it. It proved to be a great spot for the sort of semi-ethographic research they're required to do, and they totally enjoyed the environment."

Read his 19 point paper on the subject.

Virtual World Home


The CoP Instructional Design 4 Educators at Kuwol is now open and home to reference Second Life (SL) activities for all educational disciplines from k-12 and higher learning levels. Please stop by and explore, especially contributions of SL educators.

The above link (SLURL) connects you to our designated Second Life SL location. Must or should have an active account. See below.

All information and student projects shared can be recreated at 181 known Virtual Grids, although, only 84 Grids are actually occupied.

Second Life highlights some of the most fun & noteworthy places to visit. From role-playing, to music, to virtual pets, meetings/conferences, hot spots, tours & chat (IM). An experience for everyone. While many call SL a game (aka, Mind Craft, Call of Duty), it is a Multiple User Virtual Environment(MUVE). The learning curve can be somewhat challenging if new to virtual worlds, but once you understand the way Avatars work, the experience is endless.

As Educators, you will have the opportunity to work with other savvy Educators and Librarians who have been active in immersive and interactive virtual world projects for some time.

If you need an account, it is free.
Second Life account for starters, join here... Second Life Free Account

Once at the SL orientation circle using your viewer...
Click on the above SLURL to Kuwol.