The Disruptive Power of Second Life
I. How is Second Life
a disruptive technology?
“Disruptive technologies are those which may
surface without warning and change the way things are done, but, they may have
the same functionalities of an old technology while functioning more
efficiently”, (Thornburg, Laureate 2009). Second Life technology may be
considered to be a disruptive technology due to the fact that it surfaced
quickly in the industry and seeks to apply technology that is used to create
virtual worlds that may replace more traditional computer games, decrease F2F
learning environments and potential distance learning opportunities.
II. What technology or innovation did it replace?
This technology innovation sought
to enhance video gaming with the intent of affording a higher level of
involvement in the learning process using 3D technology. Second Life is used for a variety of purposes. An
example includes universities that seek to present a virtual experience of
their college and affords the potential to replace the need for field trips and
enables users to virtually visit educational settings and environments.
Individual learning styles may be enhanced via resources towards role playing
and collaborative projects.
III. How many years do you think Second Life has left
before another emerging or disruptive technology replaces it?
Companies such as Linden Lab engaged
in a joint effort with IBM (2008) to create an open virtual world grid
permitting an operator’s avatar to travel freely between Second Life and
software such as OpenSim. (Livingstone, n.d.) noted that “Holographic imaging
is another technology which could
replace Second Life allowing users to travel to virtual locations and affords a
greater ability to create backups of work and share assets via XML-based
archived formats”.
IV. What are the social benefits of Second Life, and what
might the social implications of virtual worlds in your industry be?
Social
benefits of Second Life or other virtual worlds are key to providing learners access
to various resources, learning aids, instructional methodologies and concepts
that may not otherwise be available. Creativity is greatly enhanced while
managing and controlling learning environments towards a richer learning
environment. Virtual worlds such as flight simulation may be enhanced and more
adeptly developed towards higher fidelity scenario-based training
opportunities. However, it may be more appropriate and a more efficient use of
corporate finances to employ virtual world technology for course curriculum
development and recurrent training resources.
References and Links
Hologram on CNN:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7fQ_EsMJMs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRck4hpWRKs&feature=related
Livingstone, D. (2011). Second Life is dead, long live
Second Life? Retrieved from
http://www.educause.edu/EDUCAUSE+Review/EDUCAUSEReviewMagazineVolume46/SecondLifeIsDeadLongLiveSecond/226180
PBS. (2009). What is Second Life? Retrieve from
http://www.modohisland.com/thwakk/pbs/what-is-second-life.html
Thornburg, D. (2009). Evolutionary technology Vodcast: In
Laureate Education, Inc. Emerging and future technology
Virtual World Watch. (2011). Jim Scullion's contribution to
snapshot #10. Retrieved from http://virtualworldwatch.net/snapshots/
Tag: Second Life
Harvard
Hi David:
ReplyDeleteI love reading your blog. You blow me out of the water when it comes the your technology expertise.
Nevertheless, according to Rosedale (2008) he commented in his video that 2nd Life becomes a disruptive technology through its effort to change the way individuals use the internet. He continues to state the internet is a tool to manage, create, exchange, and absorb ideas through a 2-D approach. SL incorporates the same concept through a 3-D virtual reality application. Do you believe his comment is correct?
Lastly, which of the following do you think 2nd Life challenges the most: search engines, the Consumer Report, social sites, instant messengers, or the traditional brick-and-mortar classroom environment?
Thanks,
Cheryl
Rosedale, P. (2008). Philip Rosedale on Second Life [Video]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.
Cheryl, your candid and enthusiastic kudos are appreciated; I continue to strive to learn and apply more each day; long way to go. I think SL or any dimension of VR can be a great asset to the appropriate learners. Problem is that there are so many diversified learners with many options to access learning resources (most by accident). I think SL will be there indefinitely that truly like what it offers. I am sure that you have realized by now that there in not just one preferred technology or best application for all. F2F and brick-and-mortar learning environments are rapidly diminishing for the adult student (less convenience, cost, travel issues, etc.) I really think that SL is mostly a social site for novices to explore, play, be entertained or consider how to improve this technology. I may use this technology to teach autistic adults life-skills, but I would not personally use the site.
DeleteI am only technology savy to meet my educational needs and fulfill the course requirements; sadly, I find more interesting hobbies and activities more fulfilling and value-laden than VR. What is your opinion of personal use of SL?
David
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteInteresting and intriguing post. I am wondering about your additional thoughts on distance education, do you think that Second Life may partner with university systems some day and that classes will be taught using avatars through distance education? I don't think it would be necessary for everyone as many of us attend classes online some that we are free to interact in our own space and time but there are many traditional students who prefer or even require personal interaction with instructors and classmates.
CJ, Sure, SL may have a place in synchronous and asynchronous learning environments; I personally prefer Skype or video conferencing to see my peers; teaching on-line classes using text only has worked for many years; sometimes what the student thinks or writes greatly outweighs their appearance; point in case, our interaction over many weeks; I admire and truly respect your contributions, passion and scholarly input, but I have not seen your face. I assume that is you facing the rhino!
DeleteDavid
David,
ReplyDeleteSecond life is strange to me. It is almost like you have two separate lives. I had no idea that someone was working on an avatar that would allow you to move freely between platforms. That is quite interesting. I just can't seem to get my mind around this technology...
I am not sure why a college student needs and avatar for education. I teach online high school and we meet in something called Black Board Collaborate. It is like a chat room with lots of bells and whistles and a chalk board.
Aimee
Hi David,
ReplyDeleteI agree with all of the praise you receive from the others- you always have interesting and informative posts!
As far as the Second Life, I can see its' usefulness in teaching and learning in a variety of settings. I personally prefer face- to-face for entertainment, when vacationing and building relationships.
I am sure in the aviation teaching/learning environment, the avatar simulation training could be best suited when practicing tricky maneuvers!
Thanks,
Diane