2nd life was a fun experience for me, and a little unexpected.It does involve some hand to eye coordination, and in that respect for me it's a bit like my tennis, sometimes very good then not so good. I didn't actually choose to be female, and that may have been a mistake because people kept walking quickly past me! Then I tried to change my gender later with little success. I do think all this fiddling about with appearance and clothing a waste of time though educationally. Yes, I agree it could be used for language learning, but all I saw were reading billboards, and that's not particularly interactive. The best thing would be to set up a private island or lab for learning. The other drawback is the amount of flirting etc. I followed a couple of avatars and they started kissing-it was a horrible, slurping sound, and I felt quite uncomfortable, and had to reverse out of the way, just like in real life!!! As for 'Cancerland' for education-please...?!!!As an ex nurse, this is sending out totally the wrong message. I thought it was dreadful, some woman bleating on about being frightened about her thyroid cancer. What does that hope to achieve? It smacks of reality TV, and all that sensationalism; not suitable at all. This does however highlight the importance of teachers being involved in the development of virtual reality 'sets' for education.
Similar to veronica's idea, you could use a GoogleLit trip where books have more than one location in the content, but not all books would be suitable for this. Divide the class into groups for each chapter and get each group to either describe the location, add URLs and images relevant to the setting or story, write vocabulary questions or give word meanings and provide discussion starters for class based discussion on the reading. I think the discussion starters are great for getting the children involved in the discussion as they had to think of the ideas themselves. I tried an example from The Prisoner of Zenda by Anthony Hope, but I could not get the image up unfortunately as Im just a novice Google earth user!
Texting by mobiles has become so popular nowadays. I remember at a New Years Eve celebration in London in 2004, sitting in the corner one- handed texting people. I got some very strange looks and comments. At the time, people in the UK were calling on hand-phones because they were being given monthly deals, and texting was thought 'pointless'and not fully appreciated. This I think is an unusual example of a technology use that actually grew first in developing countries rather than developed. Apart from economic advantages, the text is an ubiquitous form of asynchronous communication which does not require an immediate response However,the closer the friend the more immediate response and the greater the frequency of texting. It's mostly used for people who have met f2f previously. (ref.1)It is also useful for Romance and flirting with people you don't know well as this form of communication does make you feel braver. Research has found that removing the aural, visual and vocal signals increases bravery and makes it easier to lie.(ref 2) The other interesting thing about its widespread use is the way it has affected language itself, specifically vocabulary and grammar or shall I say lack of grammar. This has come about probably by a need to reduce costs and increase speed of the message. Because of its use mainly in more existing relationships a lot of its purpose is to tell the receiver what you are doing (like Twitter or Facebook) the state of your feelings, and arranging social meetings, especially in the short term. It is also a handy device for killing time while you are waiting for something else to happen providing you're paying attention.. I have lost so many hand phones to thieves!! Personally, I'm getting a bit bored with it , maybe cos I was an early adopter :) I would much rather speak on the phone to a close friend...
1. Baron and Ling (2007), Emerging Patterns of American Mobile Phone Use. 2. Castells M, (2007), The mobile Communication society, University of Southern California.
Now this is a good idea. Getting students to share together and set up study groups. But, is it necessary to use money and points in the UK to do so? Maybe it is in individualistic cultures. Maybe it wouldn't be necessary in Asia or the Middle East where people might just want to help each other. Who knows??? The site aims at University students, summaries are submitted from papers. I had look at one from a student at our uni and it was 'summarised' word for word from the original academic paper. Would we really chose to study by avoiding the actual reading, and explanation that goes with it? Some of us would...not me you understand, definitely not...
It is really important nowadays that people have a knowledge of one of the world languages such as English, Spanish or Mandarin. This project explores language learning games for low income, disadvantaged children in India.They found that the poorest people have a desire to improve in one of these languages to stand any chance of getting out of their situation. Computer games were found to be ineffective for learning because of problems with usability (computer literacy) and poor interface design. Children were getting distracted and just guessing answers, not learning very much because the contexts of the games were too unfamiliar for them, particularly with the western design bias. The team realised how important cultural familiarity was for the successful playing of the game, and the use of culturally appropriate words and images.This localization of content in turn would more likely lead to learners adopting the language more.
The expense of computer game development combined with usability problems are big disadvantages compared to hand phone usage with easier controls basic enough to learn quickly. Also, phones are cheaper and much more readily available for disadvantaged groups. To ensure games are situated in familiar settings games should be designed by first establishing what type of context learners are used to as well as the social norms. This involved interviewing people in the local area finding out about their daily activities, and the type of words commonly used.
Games were designed using bow and arrows ( commonly used in regional stories) and trains, which are an established everyday transport form. Key people were given local clothes and objects were displayed in cultural colours. Pattern Activity Curriculum Exercise (PACE) refers to a pattern of steps current language learning software (eg Rosetta Stone) or text books use to develop a language point. This pattern can be used as a skeletal representation on which to base a game on. This in effect scaffolds game designers, who lack the backgrounds to implement language learning tasks in software. This same pattern could then be used for various levels of difficulty by substituting different language from the syllabi. However, if a pattern is followed on its own it does not make a very fun game. So, the games themselves are developed based on heuristics (guidelines) on designing enjoyable user interfaces. Malone(1998) demonstrated that in order for games to be playable and engaging, the story experience should relate to real life even though the setting is fantasy. He also found that players were more engaged if the people in the game were like themselves.
I think the use of cultural relevance would help promote learning in languages especially for these low level/beginners groups. It must be important to keep the flow of a game going for it to succeed at being fun and hence,for people to learn language from it. Mainstream games with just in time advice/coaching would not really work-who wants to be interrupted with an explanation of a word or a pronunciation guidance because then the whole point of using a game becomes a bit redundant. I think localized design could be the way forward for phone games,which are cheaper to develop than computer games.
The following information on social networking sites is based on what I read in the Media Literacy Report.http://www.ofcom.org.uk/advice/media_literacy/medlitpub/medlitpubrss/socialnetworking/report.pdf Social networking sites such as Facebook (adults) and Bebo (kids)are currently the most popular in the UK and US. The main Issues surrounding their use include bullying, providing fake information, stalking, and the future risk from disclosure of private information. However, instant messaging is seen as a much greater risk than SNS from sexual predation, and becoming just as popular.
Problems arise because of a lack of rules,social conventions and obvious boundaries compared to the real world. 60% of users leave their privacy settings open sometimes inadvertently because of a lack in internet literacy or interface design limitations. Other young people scan profile pages of strangers,which is 2nd in popularity to communicating itself. I think,it's natural for the young to compete and get as many friends as they can.
Having taken a look at discussion pages related to young peoples interests the content does not seem particularly new...and would be the sort of thing I would talk about when I was at school. There must be some more extreme content out there, which could have a significant effect on young people, who may not know how to react as an adult would.
Most older people in my age group use SNS for keeping up with friends and finding old ones. There are a significant number of young women who use them for attention seeking -People, who are maybe insecure and looking to increase their self esteem. This follows from my own experience where a pretty family member has over 1500 personal photos of herself partying in provocative dress on her facebook. I also have a few mothers-2 I haven't seen or communicated with for over 20 years, who send me pictures of themselves with their offspring.I guess hoping I will comment!!!:)
There is some potential to use SNS for social and political reform rather than just connecting for social reasons. This is something that could emerge in the future. Polls and campaigns do feature somewhat now. It is possible that discussion boards could be linked to VLEs for examining and exploring issues, and maybe even polling for consensus. I am a little sceptical about younger children and teenagers who might not like this invasion of their social space for educational reasons...
I had a look at the tennis wikiproject, which seems to have been going on for years!!!! The site itself does not purport to being democratic, so why bother with collaborating at all? Wikipedia says this is not a political arena, but the way these projects are put together is very autocratic. Consensus, the 4th pillar code of conduct for wikipedia asks that a consensus of opinion is found, but no polls are usually undertaken, and this is not measured. Silence or failure to respond on a discussion board implies consent. In any event, arbitration committees and the board of trustees could have the final say in any changes, so why use consensus? Wikipedia ask writers to behave in a certain way indicating that editing and achieving the changes you desire should not involve bullying, manipulation or dishonesty etc, but this will depend on individual characteristics, and some people are just like that. Im not sure why people get involved with this, but there is some evidence from the discussion boards that professional journalists participate, I guess because of their love of writing.In terms of knowledge, it is very challenging to attempt to authenticate the material.
If it is sourced then how would you know how reliable that website or book is, and what could be deemed as factual? However, confrontational issues in talk and discussion pages do have some pedagogical application. Opinions are different perspectives that open up discussions and provide ideas and encourage critical thinking skills. Confrontation fuels people into action getting them to think in order to refute arguments and justify opinions, which result in much better responses, especially on an asynchronous discussion board.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog. My lecturer, George Veletsianos at the University of Manchester has made me set this up as part of my masters studies on emerging technology and education. I did actually start this blog in December off my own back, but didnt get further than thinking of a name.. and my own name too, not too imaginative! I was hoping for some followers but I only got 1, me...so hopefully more will come in the future.
I must say, I’m not too keen on exposing myself too much, and this is the thing about blogging and facebook and myspace and the rest of them… Why is it necessary to give out your age and birthday all the time on the www. I’ve always lied about my age-when I was younger I was older and now I’m older I want to be younger. Even when I was 25 I was moaning about being half a century. In some cultures like Egypt birthdays aren’t even celebrated-it’s just another year off your life!!!!
As for my life, in the words of Robert Frost “ I took the road less travelled by…” I started very predictably- married young, baked bread and made yoghurt, but always wanted something a bit more interesting or adventurous. Plus I hated the English and Irish weather. Sounds superficial, but the weather has a big impact on mood, or on my mood anyway. Those short grey days of winter. Dreaming of being in some sun-drenched tropical location biding your time waiting until the next holiday came along… not for me. Not that I dislike England, but I always wanted to be somewhere else. I even emigrated to Australia twice…in the Thatcher years. (sorry you Tory voters!)I found out the grass isn’t always greener sure enough. For all the amazing things that have happened and places I have experienced there have also been some rather dramatic events. One time me and a guide were held captive at knife point by 4 men for 3 hours. The place shall remain anonymous because I don’t want to ruin their burgeoning tourist trade.!!!!(But it’s close to where this picture was taken)
The thing that got me out of that scrape was mainly some understanding and knowledge of the culture. But, potentially a great danger because of the anger of the main attacker. I’ve never ever seen someone so angry, and I’ve been very angry myself at times L He turned out to be a transmigrant from Ambon who had lost all his family in the fighting there. I never reported it to the military police located right opposite my hotel because they would have gone right to their village and totally overreacted. Many of these beautiful places don’t enjoy the freedom of expression and safety which people should be so grateful for living in England.
I have also on occasion had the opportunity to help and assist prisoners. This is a cause which I feel quite strongly about. It’s amazing (or is it )how many people will turn their backs on people being held either on unreasonable charges or for good reason but extra harsh custodial sentences. Many say don’t get involved, but I do believe often to my detriment that I should get involved sometimes. I think as an expat British (American, Australian etc) from the western countries get much more respect, even nowadays. Rightly or wrongly certain embassy’s have more say and influence which does effect your way of life living abroad. The downside, and I hate to let the side down, is being a woman, but life would be so much easier if I were a man living in Asia or the Middle East
On a somewhat lighter note, I think animals are by far the best thing for me- Animals and nature. As you can see my photo holding the snake-Okay, I was in Tanah Lot in Bali and not in the deepest darkest jungle somewhere, but the happiness I get from watching or touching animals makes a difference to me. Also, peace and quiet is important. Yes, I do love all sorts of music, but peace and quiet and tranquillity are getting increasingly hard to find in this over-populated world, and this is of great value I think. As for my aims and hopes, well, the fact that I haven’t turned back down the path less trodden is that I’m still learning, trying to get more patient and less angry and hopefully more tolerant of people generally.. and living abroad allows me to do this. Also on the practical side, I am a career ESL teacher and my work means I must live abroad. Besides, England’s too expensive now!!!
