11.14.06
Second Life as Edutainment
Here is an interesting paper: The Educational Possibilities of a Massively Multiplayer Virtual World (MMVW)
Today we are looking at the educational possibilities of Massively Multiplayer Virtual Worlds (MMVW). We’ll look specifically at Second Life, a MMVW created by each user and simultaneously played by hundreds of people around the world…
My goals are to increase your awareness of current developments in computer games and simulations and to help you begin considering the educational possibilities of these emerging technologies, But most importantly, I want to encourage you explore virtual worlds, like Second Life, so you will be prepared to teach with this technology as it continues to mature.
Further coverage appears on CNN as well, is this the future of the “Classroom”?
UPDATE: Here is another article, brought to my attention by Jamey, who said:
I am a “Second Lifer” who is also an educator and I’m enthralled with its possibilities for education…
As a platform for education, the possibilities offered by virtual worlds are enormous. The possibilities for collaboration are equally rich and I encourage other educators to take a look at virtual worlds with open eyes.