Virtual worlds or SL in adult eductation

[Vasi]

Terry Neal a member of our network is currently involved in a project examining the role of virtual worlds and Second Life in particular in adult education. The project blog is at http://slenz.wordpress.com/. At the moment the team is involved with the nice safe literature review. In November, it will get interesting with design and development and piloting of learning experiences. I have set up this discussion space so we can further explore virtual worlds and their role in education. Terry are you happy to facilitate?

Here are a few links that could be useful:
- a community Virtual Worlds Connect
- a weekly newsletter Virtual Worlds Weekly
- and news Virtual Worlds News

[Vasi]

I'm subscribed to Innovate and just received and update that promotes a webcast featuring an article by Nancy Evans, Thalia M. Mulvihill, and
Nancy J. Brooks who argue that Second Life and similar multiuser
virtual environments can provide a sense of presence and community
that satisfies these needs while offering all of the benefits of
online education. See article here.

[Vasi]

Few lives left for Second Life

I come across and interesting article about the declining interest in Second Life especially in Australia.
"During a period of immense hype over the past few years, Second Life - which allows people to interact through virtual "avatars" and build and trade in-world items - was billed as a way for companies to form deeper online connections with customers by connecting with them in a 3D virtual setting.

But Australians appear to have lost interest in Second Life and the users still there appear to be shying away from the big corporate brands."

I wander if education will follow the same pattern.

Vasi