Wow. When I got in to class tonight I felt like I was in a dream. There were my virtual classmates, who I only know by name-not face, decked out in ball gowns, t-shirts, and pirate costumes. It was an interesting class, and I can see the value that second life could bring to distance learning, once people are comfortable and able to function in that environment.
Like any new tool or complex learning activity, the teacher needs to set the stage, prepare the room, and make sure that the students are comfortable and ready to learn. I am continually impressed with Dr. Mon's prep work for our class sessions. By posting on the DB, sending us messages, prepare links, folders, and connections within second life, and even transporting us when we're lost, she is making a new different world understandable and exciting. I really appreciate how organized and on top of things she is. This class is one that really takes me outside my realm of understanding, and I don't know what I'd do if I wasn't guided as well.
The one difficulty I had with having class in Second Life is that I wasn't quite sure at times what we were supposed to be doing. For example, after buying (for free) the prepared boxes, some people were trying out what was inside, while others asked questions, and others walked around. I wasn't sure what we were supposed to do then, and got distracted by the fireworks, bubbles, etc. On the other hand, I am glad we were able to have exploration time for the new clothes and toys. The class tonight was a good introduction for how to use Second Life.
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