Module Nine

Scootle is quite an extensive resource/application that, without doubt, would be beneficial for ALL of the learners in my class. The location of a multitude of resources on one site is quite useful, as it lessens the amount of time SEARCHING for your needs, whilst increasing the time spent actually USING the resources.

I've always been fascinated by Second Life, and the people who use it. Although it may seem hypocritical; as I am an avid social network user, I always was interested as to why people; who quite easily could socialise face-to-face, choose to do so through the use of their avatars. I remember a 60 MINUTES story that interviewed a couple, who lived together, socialising through Second Life, whilst in different rooms of the same house! They even went to the extreme of expressing their 'love' for each other in the virtual world, unbelievable!

However, in engaging 21st Century learners, I can see the merits in using Second Life for educational purposes. Up until recently, Second Life was unmetered by Bigpond, enabling free access, which could also prove beneficial in terms of resource availability. Monitoring use with younger learners could prove hazardous though.

As for FACEBOOK, well, I'd like to keep that for myself. It seems as though, every week, I have a new student trying to add me as a friend. It is because of this that I created a NING! http://lasallejourney.ning.com Which enables us to create our own social network, for our own purpose. This enables us, as teachers, to deliver content and learning in a medium that students already use and enjoy!

PS

I haven't said anything about TWITTER. This was not an oversight. I just don't see the merit in it. To me, it acts in the same way as FACEBOOK status updates, which I again see as a little unnecessary at times!