Kassidy Hetzel’s Module 4 Blog Posting
Thornburg (2009) explained disruptive technologies as completely new tools that change how things are done, and are not gradual extensions of older technologies. Second Life fits this definition because of its very nature. Second Life is a disruptive technology because it has the strength and ability to obsolete many different technologies and institutions. Some of the technologies that Second Life could obsolete are the standard websites and current abilities of social networking sites. The virtual world of Second Life is replacing real world situations. No longer does a person have to physically be somewhere to see what they want to see Second Life is allowing people to virtually tour places and information with its technology that it is presenting a whole new way of communicating and “seeing”. Second life replaces traditional social networking sites and provides a virtual world where everyone has a physical meeting space even though it may only be a virtual one it still allows everyone to be on an equal and accessible playing field. I would not be surprised if Second Life eventually replaces the physical teaching environment and creates a new virtual institution based around student centered values.
In addition the avatars that users create allow people to replace/change things about themselves allowing them to present a new image or species that everyday life won’t allow them to do or be. Second Life gives people the opportunity to become their ideal selves.
Resources:
Rosedale, P. (2008). Second Life [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.
Thornburg, D. (2009). Evolutionary technology Vodcast: In Laureate Education, Inc. Emerging and future technology.
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Kassidy, interesting points. I like the fact that SL enables people to express themselves without having to worry about their appearance. Also, assistive technology has enabled many people to experience environments that would otherwise be impossible IRL. As innovative and "game-changing" SL may be, there are still quite a few issues (content, cost, stability)that need to be resolved for it to be fully integratable into daily classroom instruction. Thank you
ReplyDeleteKassidy,
ReplyDeleteI like your point about Second Life allowing people to become their ideal selves. This probably is the drawing appeal for many people. It’s a chance to become what they feel they are not and want to be in their real lives. Excellent point!
Tia