In today's society we have two paths to decide: the one where face to face interaction is inevitable and one that is virtual. In a virtual world you can create yourself, your home, office, the type of transportation you have, and the people you come in contact with...all in an instant by a few small clicks on the computer. Dr. David Thornburg states that a disruptive technology is when, "...new technology suddenly appears and creates a brand new way of thinking about a technological task." Second Life is a prime example of this path of living.
In the past few years, Second Life has replaced the need to hold actual business meetings, e-mail, or blog. Communication in Second Life is instant so feedback about any topic can be given, received, processed, and acted upon in minutes rather than months or even years.
With this new wave of virtual living the amount of time spent commuting or being away from home is minimized to the shortest amount possible. Many people are beginning to jump into this virtual world thus giving it a stay power in the vast, ever-changing world of technology.
Do I think that new things are on the forefront? Of course, minutes into the world of Second Life there were programmers adding their mark, their voice. However I feel that with the amount of people using Second Life growing each day, month, and year that it may have a longer life than expected, especially if it continues to "WOW" the people that use it.
As Second Life continues to make its mark on society we should take a minute, stand back, and decide what implications this virtual world is making. As I see it, the worlds that exist in Second Life may help those that are often too shy or unable to meet people in a face to face interaction. When you create an avatar most people are apt to exaggerate themselves and perhaps, brag if you will, on their abilities and accomplishments. This being another trait that most people would not do in a face to face scenario.
In the education industry I see Second Life as the virtual schools that are popping up. There are virtual classes from kindergarten through college that students can be involved. These classes can include those from different states and countries making for a dynamic and diverse classroom composition. All these varying backgrounds and personalities can lend to a well rounded and fruitful education experience.
**Further information can be found at http://www.forbes.com/forbes/2007/0507/076.html
Nice blog Suzanne. There is a dynamic that is apparent in SecondLife that Rosedale barely skimmed over. What I refer to is that for some of us, SecondLife is a first experience into the world of the avatar. Today's youth seem to be born with the abilities to manipulate these in faster-paced gaming environments.
ReplyDeleteIn light of this accustomization to speed, will the younger generation eschew slower applications like SecondLife? Or will SecondLife become adapt to gaming behavior?
Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that Second Life has a role in the virtual schools of the future. I see it as a great opportunity for students to receive the benefits of being in a face to face setting while taking a online course. The benefits of having real time feedback and interaction. I also see it opening the doors for students to take classes that are not offered at their school because of lack of funding or not enough students enrolled for the class to make.
Good blog. Second Life does play a role in virtual schools. Being able to communicate online with other students, to ask questions, get immediate feedback, and being able to work with people from all over the world. What an experience.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on so many counts.
I think the "wow" factor keeps second life...so to say "alive".
I agree second life can really help the "shy" person become more exaggerated...but so can the other social networking genres like facebook, myspace etc. What do you think?
Suzanne--I totally agree that Second Life as most other Web 2.0 applications are ideally suited for the introverts among us, with enough interaction to attract the extroverts as well.
ReplyDeleteI like Second Life because all of the things that we see: buildings, landscapes, and even the avatars, are created by the users. There are SO many creative people out there that the combined force of this creativity is just amazing to experience!
Sheila-
ReplyDeleteWhile I agree that Facebook and MySpace can also be beneficial to the introverts, Second Life also offers the virtual world. There are parks, buildings, shops, etc. This can make the virtual experience, for lack of a better word, real. Even with the applications and activities, I feel that this is the area that Facebook and MySpace lack in virtual communication.