Journeys through Second Life:  Edunation

3D virtual worlds like Second Life, provide an immersive, interactive method for people from all over the world to explore, learn, interact and create in real-time using aural, visual and spacial cues.  Through the use of simple mouse and keyboard controls, visitors to Second Life walk through historical city streets, explore a gallery, build 3D models and even make movies called machinimas.   For teachers of languages and their students Second Life offers a rich meeting ground where class can be held, any subject of situation can be simulated with life-like accuracy both in appearance and in experience.  This week, the Teacher in Search of an Education is going to explore some educational sites by waling and flying through them, taking photos of the experience and discuss how they can be used to create a rich experiential environment for the learning of English as a second language

Edunation Island is a well known destination for students and teachers alike.  The arrival area is well laid out with simple instructions about how to navigate to various locations on the island.  A simple click of the mouse can take a visitor directly to their chosen destinations.   Popular destinations on the island include a comfortable learning platform filled with bean bag chairs and a large screen for presentations.  This kind of space is ideal for students from all over the world to meet to sit, relax, and chat.  When teachers want to hold informal discussion sessions, this is the place to be.

The island provides many destinations, geographical features and objects for students to explore, discuss what they are seeing in real-time with other classmates who are also visiting and record their observations.  The combination of aural, visual and spatial stimuli can engage students in a way that enhances a natural way of learning language.  A visit to the Guggenheim gallery is one example of a destination that can stimulate conversation about history, art, design, etc.

One of the most unique destinations on the island is an entire house constructed by Barbara Novelli, an English teacher with over 20 years of experience.  The house she built is designed not only as an intimate meeting place for her students, but as treasure trove of objects from everyday life that can stimulate discussions.  From the realistic welcome mat at the door to the inviting fireplace surrounded by comfortable couches, Barbara's house is just plain inviting.  The realistic kitchen, laundry room and bathrooms are filled with everyday objects.  When students explore these everyday objects and places, they are easily motivated to call objects and actions by the their proper names.  Because they can explore the same space together with their classmates, the experience become even more realistic.