Second Life: another world in which to teach and learn

University of Derby Centre for Psychological Research PLAT2008 Special Interest Group Discussion Second Life: another world in which to teach and learn Simon Bignell [email_address]

Acknowledgements

Simon Bignell (Av: Milton Broome)
Lecturer in Psychology.
Kevin Silber (Av: Psychological Writer)
Head of Psychology.
John Sear (Av: Disco Bobbysocks)
Lecturer in Computer Games Programming.
Pete Radcliff (Av: Akmed Olkhovsky)
e-Learning Development and Support Manager.
Mat McKenzie (Av: Joel Erde)
Samantha Innocent (Av: Gypsum Kidd)
Ian Hallsworth (Av: Biglurch Habercom)
And the Second Life Working Party at University of Derby
The Derby University Team

Blended Learning Revisited: An Exploration of Undergraduate Experiential Learning in 3D Virtual Environments
Project, the design, preparation, planning, development of the virtual teaching space and lessons learnt.

Teaching
What would the ideal classroom look like?
The secret was there all along…
‘SL-Labs’…slabs! Exposed learning spaces…

Example
Spidergram Planner (by Eloise Pasteur)

Lessons Learnt
Traditional teaching approach is not adequate
‘ No man is an Island’ (Don’t personalise)
Collaboration and distribution are best
SL has novelty value that can endure
Form follows function
Avoid distractions wherever possible
1 prim can do the job of 20 (textures/script)
Most students don’t like Second Life! (at first)
Emphasise activities not teaching

Second Life provides an opportunity for:
Collaboration and community.
Research and interaction.
Classes and class projects in a virtual world.
Activity-based learning
Authentic assessment
Leveraging a game-based culture
Easy to configure, create and modify
Teaching in Second Life

Teaching in Second Life
Works well with…
Level 3 undergraduates comfortable with controls of Second Life.
Students who see themselves as early adopters.
Staff who see themselves as partners in learning, early adopters and readily available.
Not so good …
Postgraduate & overseas students unfamiliar with environment, learning approach and cultural differences.
Staff who see themselves as “traditional” teachers, presenting materials, scheduled office hours, etc.

Summary Simon Bignell (Avatar: Milton Broome) s.bignell@derby.ac.uk Blog: http://miltonbroome.com In Second Life as SL-Labs
Teaching in Second Life at Higher Education level…
Challenging
Requires planning and continual development
Needs a flexible attitude towards learning
Possibly requires relinquishing control to the learner
Enthusiasm and belief in the platform as a tool not a game
Support from scripters and builders
A reflective and action-oriented approach to teaching methods
Lots and lots and lots of time to ensure it has value for students
If Second Life doesn’t improve your students’ learning experience don’t use it!

http://previewpsych.org	39
http://www.slideshare.net	15
http://morgen-virtualworlds.blogspot.com	7
http://elearning.wtuc.edu.tw	1

Second Life: another world in which to teach and learn

by Simon Bignell on Sep 29, 2009

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