According to Thornburg (2009), disruptive
technology is one that suddenly arrives and exceeds the functions, cost, and
efficiencies of an existing technology thereby replacing or making it obsolete unexpectedly.
Rosedale (2008), argued that virtual worlds, such as Second Life, will replace
the web as we know it. Reasons for this are that virtual worlds allow us to
combine and use our creativity with designing endless possibilities without the
barriers such as cost of materials. In addition, virtual worlds allow others to
easily access these creations and participate in designing new features with
others. The web communicates information mainly with the use of text however,
virtual worlds uses symbols. This allows users from all areas of the globe to
access, create, design, and collaborate with others without the cultural and
language barriers faced by using text only. Human brains will more easily
organize and retain information with the use of common symbols and images than
with text alone. According to Rosedale, humans have a need for social interaction
which is also a huge advantage of virtual worlds over the web. Users are always
present with others in real time while in virtual worlds which meets the human
need to communicate and collaborate with others. Virtual worlds allow users to
experience and create anything that would otherwise be impossible.
Rodriquez
(2009), discussed use of Second Life as replacing traditional educational
tools. She argued that virtual worlds would allow learners to create and
experience things that would be impossible to experience in the real world.
Furthermore, virtual worlds are extremely diverse and provide social benefits with
increased communication and collaboration for learners across global barriers
now in place using the web. She argued that virtual worlds are disruptive because
they replace the existing traditional teaching environments and the long held
educational paradigm with a learner centered approach.
Rodriques,
L. Second Life as a Disruptive Technology in Education. Retrieved on April 26,
2011 from : http://lrodriguezetc.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/second-life-as-a-disruptive-technology-in-education/
Rosedale, P. (2008). Second Life
[Video]. Retrieved from
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.
Thornburg, D. (2009).
Evolutionary technology Vodcast: In Laureate Education, Inc. Emerging and
future technology.
Sandra,
ReplyDeleteNice post! I was also intrigued when Rosedale mentioned how they can interchange the internet or web with Second Life. Humans definitely have a need to socialize and even with problems or inefficiencies, humans will still find a way.
However, with these technologies becoming better, I feel that some people are replacing face to face contact with them. I think this can be detrimental to society, but we will just have to see.
Sandra, great summary and insight. I especially am attracted to Rodriguez's (2009)application to student learning. I am for anything that replaces the current traditional teacher-directed, teacher-focused learning environment!! The sooner our students get comfortable collaborating on an international scale, the sooner they will emerge as our future leaders in science and technology.
ReplyDeleteSandra,
ReplyDeleteGood summary of Rosedale. I still wonder how this will work for education as it requires the students to be synchronous. This creates the time differential issue, which is why many distance learning courses are asynchronous. What are your thoughts on this?
Sandra:
ReplyDeleteThe Creator of Second Life would really like it to replace the Internet. The Internet will be needed for second life. However as you mentioned, maybe it will change the way the Web is used, being more 3D. It also provides another way of communication and collaboration; an enhanced way. Would you use this technology in your classroom?
Soushira