Journal 3-Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning: Virtual Worlds in the Classroom- Nets 5

Yoder, M. B. (2009, October). Walk, Fly, or Teleport to Learning: Virtual Worlds in the Classroom. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=September_October_No_2_3&Template=/MembersOnly.cfm&NavMenuID=4381&ContentID=24200&DirectListComboInd=D

In this article Maureen Brown Yoder discusses MUVEs, which is defined as “Internet-based multiuser virtual environments”. Yoder states that MUVEs are becoming increasingly more popular especially to children. The author says that these virtual environments can be content rich and a place where children can learn social, technical, and practical life skills in a fun environmet. The article describes a specific MUVE, called Second Life and states that it is safe because students can only be added to, Second Life by their teacher. MUVEs have been applied to subjects, such as science. It was seen that students enjoyed the program so much they decided to continue their learning at home.

Have you ever participated in a MUVE?

No, I haven’t but I have heard of this type of virtual environment applied to video games. I have heard that the game World of War Craft has been very popular with gamers and that if this virtual environment was applied academically the outcome would be just as popular.

After reading this article would you feel it is safe to participate and have students participate in MUVEs?

Yes, I believe before teaching anything on the internet it is important to teach students about their virtual identity and internet safety. Especially because the MUVE is authorizing students to use it only and having them have their own user name and password it would be safe.