Assignemnt #1
The first article talks about the multimodal education. In the 21st century, the definition of literacy has expanded to refer to a flexible, sustainable use and production of traditional texts and new communication technologies using language, print and multimedia. In today’s classroom, the format of text books are beyond print, it is more likely to include multiple modes of print, visual image, audio, gesture and so on. It’s very important for teachers and students to interact with the characters and plots in the books. In addition, books are no longer the only way of learning, we also apply iPads, laptops and smart boards into the process of studying.
The second article discusses about the Second Life in which educators hope to activate learners’ motivation by satisfying themselves. It has been pointed out that there are several problems existed in online learning nowadays such as using the Blackboard. Both low completion rate and low satisfaction of students are problems unsolved by present online study. Exploring the possibilities of engaging and improving online learners’ motivation is the reason of Second Life. Instructors will create another authentic world in which learners can explore and solve problems in. Students can also negotiate and collaborate with each other to accomplish tasks. Instructor aim to build a strong sense of community to connect online learners
But there are also hidden problems of the Second Life. First, learners should upgrade their equipment to ensure the fluency of class. Second, there isn’t any privacy of class if teachers don’t have the authority to lock the campus. Third, the text message feature in SL might be difficult for people to follow. Last but not least, and it is my concern about the SL. Students might behave very well in Second Life and achieving a lot in it. But he is actually not that good in the real life, he would probably choose to escape the reality deliberately. So teachers should be careful guiding students when they are using the Second Life.
Assignment #2
I create a role of vampire in the Second Life.
In learning language, Second Life is a great tool for both teachers and students. We can change different contexts in it and create various topics in the process of study. In class, students are able to join different activities organized by instructors. Teachers should prepare images, videos and audios to students to assist learning before class. After class, students are given tasks to accomplish in their free time. They can arrange their own time when using the Second Life, and they can explore more about things interest them most.
I love your vampire character! I also strongly agree with the idea that there needs to be a disconnect for students between SL and real life and that it can be a great tool and also a bad one simultaneously. Students can get addict or too into their character or alternate life and it could affect them negatively in their development. This is a good and bad side to this program and its up to teachers to use it properly to bring out the best in it and their students.
回复删除Your point that dwells on the pros and cons of Second Life is very important. It is good to be absolutely sure about a certain website by thoroughly exploring it.It is important to curb an escapist attitude.
回复删除I agree it is important for students to interact with books beyond text. I feel it can help them to understand the book a little more. I didn't think about the cons of using Second Life but you have brought up some good point and that is definitely something teachers and schools have to consider when thinking about incorporating Second Life into their classrooms.
回复删除I think it is interesting that you chose vampires. Since Twilight and Vampire diaries came out, there has been a vampire craze. I think students would really be into that.
回复删除The lack of privacy in Second Life concerned me. Nowadays, there are a lot of people suffering from mental illnesses and they can be very violent and aggressive both verbally and non-verbally. The students are putting themselves out there in potential danger.
回复删除Privacy is indeed a concern. Intruders may send a private message to the students, therefore, it needs to be taken into considertaion. Some similiar platform may come out soon for more educational use just like Edmodo (equivalent to Facebook).
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