Crokpot Tech

In the Crokpot Tech article, the author described many different possibilities to utilize Second Life in learning contexts. For example, training, collaboration, and networking are some possible ways to utilize Second Life. The author also suggested that 3D and anonymity can have positive effects on learning outcomes.

What are some concerns with virtual world training? Transfer should be an important issue. For example, if medical students are trained in virtual world, are they going to be able to transfer the skills in the hospitals or clinics. If not, how can we bridge the training to help transfer?

Language training is interesting when done in virtual world. We know culture and language is closely related. Will the culture in the virtual be the same as the culture in the real-world? If not, what other factors that we should consider when we decide language training in the virtual world.

Virtual world creates a very different networking environment for the people to get together. We know that many people visit the virtual world, such as Second Life, very often. This kind of social networking opportunities are almost impossible for distributed teams without the virtual world.

The 3D aspects of virtual world are something that can be specific in the virtual world environment. The question is how 3D effect interacts with the virtual reality.

Anonymity is another specific characteristic in virtual world. As Deniz suggested that anonymity can help students with specific needs to learn in some environments. However, will anonymity negatively affect other types of students? For example, would a high achieving students, or popular students, behave differently in the virtual world? How can we balance the effects dealing with learning in virtual world.