Second Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOFU9oUF2HA&feature=related

During the 'hands-on experience' with Second Life in my last session, I seriously don't see much relevance of Second Life in my teaching.

The video which I have put up has showcased few ways which I can adopt for teaching. Well, true enough, they are applicable. But I just wondering, if I am going to teach a certain Science topic e.g.Periodic Table, is it already available? Or do I need to hire someone to create the programme for me? I am an IT idiot.

Furthermore, I start questioning myself. How would the future be like when everyone seems to be stuck in front of the computers? I believe Second Life can be rather addictive just like some games available online e.g. Maple story. I have friends who stayed at home all day long just to make sure that they progress to the higher levels.

In school, we are already promoting ICT-based learning. Either in school or at home, students have to use computers for their tasks. Isn't it draining for their eyes and health. Yes, i don't play games. I don't find it interesting to move about in the virtual world too. I am more interested in real-life experience, I don't believe in day-dreaming.

If educational system is going towards very IT-based form of learning, we probably need to think of how could actually bring about adverse effects on the learners. The schools probably need to provide some training to educate students about the proper usage of Internet, how to protect their eyes and their sitting gestures. Ever since I entered NIE, I have to stare at the computers for long hours. I probably need to have a eye-checking session soon.

I can really imagine almost everyone wearing spectacles if our educational system gets very ICT-based!