The world has changed significantly and development of technology has brought a lot of educators and students. At present, the digital world has a myriad of options to help in the sphere of education. The use of the Second Life can help enhance students’ learning by engaging them in the new experiences and a new way of interaction.
One of the major benefits of the use of Virtual Worlds is that distant students can also feel their connectedness. One of the most advanced Virtual World is the one used in Florida. The use of 3D images, facilitated by a number of options, makes the Virtual World seem real. However, the use of ordinary web cameras and avatars is also beneficial. Remote students can be actually present during the class.
They can put questions and participate in the discussions. This is important especially during introduction and discussion of complicated topics, when students need the instructor’s support and explanations. It is also important that the virtual worlds are beneficial for communication.
Students often need to ask questions and teachers often cannot stop the lecture or discussion to answer all the questions. However, the virtual worlds make answering questions possible. Hence, the use of technology is especially effective during lectures and discussions involving lots of students. Furthermore, the virtual worlds are more flexible.
In other words, these worlds enable students to be in the settings they could not access so easily in the real life. For instance, the teacher of mythology can show a variety of sites from different parts of the world. More so, students can even see some places as they looked centuries ago. Admittedly, all these options can be facilitate learning.
It is necessary to note that the Second Life can be used for teaching different subjects. Moreover, students of all ages can benefit from the use of virtual worlds. One of the major advantages of the Second Life is that this technology can help more students to access education. Admittedly, this is one of the most important goals of educators as well as the government.
Apart from this, virtual world remove boarders and schools will be able to ‘invite’ leading educators to lecture. Thus, educators from different parts of the world can run certain classes. This can also facilitate communication between educators and sharing experiences.
It can also be more accessible for those who do not have enough money to study in class. Furthermore, numerous options available help educators facilitate students’ learning. It is also necessary to note that students are fascinated to use technology as they are accustomed to it in their everyday life.
Nonetheless, there are certain downsides in the use of virtual worlds. First, the use of technology is always associated with additional funding. Schools will have to pay for development of the necessary software as well as hardware.
However, education has always required investment. Hence, the government should provide financial aid to schools. There are also odds that students (especially younger learners) can focus on the technological aspect and pay little attention to the material itself. Clearly, this issues needs to be addressed and educators are responsible for keeping students involved.
On balance, it is possible to state that the sphere of education has been changing significantly. Thus, schools are starting to use virtual worlds to facilitate students’ learning. This use can be beneficial for both students and educators. However, it still needs a lot of attention and work as there are gaps yet to be filled.