Reflection:

There are three different informative letters about Second Life here. One, is to my Mom, another is to my peer and the third is to my Core professor. Throughout each letter, I changed certain aspects to make each one more personable. To my mom, for instance, I was not as formal as I was to my professor and to my friend, I spoke much more in a peer point of view. I spoke about topics that would interest each individual. The letter to my professor and the letter to my mom, however, kind of related to each other in that they are both teachers so I recommended to them both that they could use Second Life in their curriculum. For my letter to Molly, I told her how she should join the virtual world because I think that she would find it interesting and also could learn a lot while having fun at the same time. 

Here is the letter to my Mom and her response.

Dear Mom,

 I am writing to tell you everything that I have been learning about Second Life-the virtual world in English class! Becoming a part of Second-Life has been a great experience already and I have only been participating in it for about a week! Second Life is a great tool for anyone who is looking to further their knowledge and education. The Second Life is a virtual world that can provide and deliver a unique educational center and is 90 square miles, which, in perspective, is almost two times the size of San Francisco. Even though you do not work too well with technology I suggest that you try and learn about this! It is strong educational tool as allows each avatar to travel to places that would not ordinarily be possible to a class within a certain semester. As a teacher, this could be a great tool for you and your students. For instance, an avatar can travel to “Renaissance Island!” Here, you can learn about Shakespeare and even dress up they way they did back in the Shakespearean days. It is also possible to go on a virtual scavenger hunt in relevance to any particular area of study. On this scavenger hunt it is possible to travel places where, again could not be reached beyond classroom learning. You not only get to visit these certain places of study, but you get to learn and enjoy cultures of your choice and experience their lives through second life as well. Another educational purpose that an avatar can take advantage of is that it provides an opportunity to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” For example, your avatar can experience and learn about someone who has schizophrenia. This is extremely unique because there is quite possibly no other way that if you are trying to study someone with these issues and are trying to learn more about them, unless you are in their shoes, there is ultimately no other way this could be achieved. Also, there was a creation of a virtual portrait of Vincent Van Gogh's Starry Night! Unless you are living in a virtual world there is no way that this could have been possible. The learning one can experience living in the virtual world is ultimately the most important aspect of this unique creation. The Second Life is growing at 10% each month and becomes more and more of an asset to education everyday. I can't wait to see you on October 9th for fall break! Have a great week.

Meghan,

I never thought that what seems to be like a computer game could have so many educational possibilities. It sounds like you are having a great time learning about and growing more interested in this virtual world. Keep me updated!

-Mom 

Here is the letter to my Peer and her response.

Dear Molly,

I know I have told you about Second-Life and you do not seem to have much interest in it, I would like to explain more to you and maybe change your mind a little bit. In my English class this semester, a large part of our curriculum is living and learning in the virtual world which literally, has endless possibilities! If you make an avatar of your choice, you can join the fun. The education factor that Second Life entails is the most significant feature. However, you are actually able to have fun while you are learning, all at the same time. Becoming a part of Second-Life is a great tool for anyone who is looking to further their knowledge and education. The Second Life is a virtual world that can provide and deliver a unique educational center and is 90 square miles, which, in perspective, is almost two times the size of San Francisco. This is strong educational tool as allows each avatar to travel to places that would not ordinarily be possible to a class within a certain semester. For instance, an avatar can travel to “Renaissance Island!” Here, you can learn about Shakespeare and even dress up they way they did back in the Shakespearean days. Even though you are learning, at the same time, you get to meet and talk to people from different places all around the world! The only scary part is, you can never really be 100% who you are talking to is actually who you think you are talking to. It is also possible to go on a virtual scavenger hunt like we did in class! You can take snapshots of the places that you visit just as you would in the real world! On this scavenger hunt it is possible to travel places where, again could not be reached beyond classroom learning. I know you said you were undecided with what you wanted to study for the next couple years, you can even get ideas here on Second Life what your interests are. Second Life provides an opportunity to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” For example, your avatar can experience and learn about someone who has schizophrenia. This is extremely unique because there is quite possibly no other way that if you are trying to study someone with these issues and are trying to learn more about them, unless you are in their shoes, there is ultimately no other way this could be achieved. You never know, you could be interested in learning about this! Also, there was a creation of a virtual portrait of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night! Unless you are living in a virtual world there is no way that this could have been possible. The learning one can experience living in the virtual world is ultimately the most important aspect of this unique creation. The Second Life is growing at 10% each month and becomes more and more of an asset to education everyday. I hope you have a great day! I'll definitely be seeing you soon.

Meghan,

Thank you for informing me with all of your fun facts about the virtual world. Maybe with some of your help I will become involved and make an avatar myself. I would really enjoy learning about places all around the world and experiences what it's like for someone to have schizophrenia is crazy, I'm not sure if I would want to really go through that! Thanks again though, I hope you enjoy your semester in the virtual world!

-Molly

Here is the letter to my Core professor and there was no response.

Dear Professor Delers,

I am here to inform you everything that I know about Second Life-the virtual world. I know you are from France, this could be an excellent opportunity for you to visit whenever you want! Becoming a part of Second-Life is a great tool for anyone who is looking to further their knowledge and education. If you ever decide to learn how to become a part of the virtual world, you should start and should teach your students! There are literally endless possibilities for you and your students. The Second Life is a virtual world that can provide and deliver a unique educational center and is 90 square miles, which, in perspective, is almost two times the size of San Francisco. Using Second Life can be a significant change in your teaching strategies. This is strong educational tool as allows each avatar to travel to places that would not ordinarily be possible to a class within a certain semester. For instance, an avatar can travel to “Renaissance Island!” Here, you can learn about Shakespeare and even dress up they way they did back in the Shakespearean days. It is also possible to go on a virtual scavenger hunt in relevance to any particular area of study. On this scavenger hunt it is possible to travel places where, again could not be reached beyond classroom learning. You not only get to visit these certain places of study, but you get to learn and enjoy cultures of your choice and experience their lives through second life as well. Another educational purpose that an avatar can take advantage of is that it provides an opportunity to “walk in someone else’s shoes.” For example, your avatar can experience and learn about someone who has schizophrenia. This is extremely unique because there is quite possibly no other way that if you are trying to study someone with these issues and are trying to learn more about them, unless you are in their shoes, there is ultimately no other way this could be achieved. Also, there was a creation of a virtual portrait of Vincent Van Gogh’s Starry Night! Unless you are living in a virtual world there is no way that this could have been possible. The learning one can experience living in the virtual world is ultimately the most important aspect of this unique creation. The Second Life is growing at 10% each month and becomes more and more of an asset to education everyday. I hope you take this into consideration for your curriculum! I have been enjoying every minute of it! Thank you for listening, I will see you next class.

-Meghan 

Link back Home http://fall103.pbworks.com/Meaghan-H's-wiki