Virtual Blossoming
If you really know me, you’ll know that I’m not really an “adopter” when it comes to technology. I’m not addicted to text messaging, I don’t constantly chat on my cell-phone, and I don’t even use IM or skype. I’m trying to find the balance of immersing myself into web2.0 without becoming too connected at the same time. As it is, I spend crazy amounts of time attached to my laptop (okay…I have to admit it: I originally typed “computer”…does that make me a dinosaur?) for class, for entertainment, for expanding my horizons, etc. I have to admit that I’ve just recently downloaded the web browser “Flock” which allows me to blog without even being near the Edublogs website. Pretty cool, huh?
Every day, I discover a few more things online that I never really even knew were possible. Not only am I exposed to new concepts (there’s an entire virtual world called Second Life with it’s own currency?!), but I’m also exposed to new vocabulary as well (schooliness, which – if I’ve gathered correctly – is a term that adults and students can’t quite seem to agree upon, that relates to how students’ actions are motivated by classroom assignments and their viewpoints seemed forced – particularly when it comes to blogging).
Today, I discovered something that may lead me to force myself to join Second Life. Yes, I’m considering it…really, I am. While I was on twitter today someone tweeted (yep – there goes that vocab) about Konrad Glogowski – and I thought to myself: what a great name – I have to check that out! Yes, believe it or not, I can actually be that superficial. As I opened the link to the Blog of Proximal Development, I was intrigued by the title and the first thing I noticed was a link to Second Life. As I read along, I became even more intrigued as this individual has created The Virtual Classroom Project which will have “Educator’s-in-Residence” and provide them an opportunity to design their ideal classrooms in the world of Second Life. If you check-out the link to the blog above, there is further information about the project and about the first person to be invited to take-part in the project. Honestly – I can’t wait to see how this turns out. Imagine the ways that this could influence how teachers think about their educational surroundings!
Blogged with the Flock Browser
Tags: SecondLife, Web2.0, skype, IM, Flock, Twitter, Virtual Classroom Project
April 5th, 2008 at 8:17 am
I have to say…I too am glad you ended up in my section this semester! You ability to keep an open mind, take in new information and mix it up with enthusiasm is such a source of motivation for me as a teacher! Sharing information, learning from each other…that’s what is should always be about!
Ms. V
April 5th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Yay! My first comment – that does rock! I think it’s been a really good experience, I just wish everyone would dive right in.