Here are a few predictions for 2008, and they’ll all probably turn-out to be wrong:
1) There will be some exciting developments that should allow students and teachers to very easily create extraordinary online learning games, and these new applications will be completely browser-based — no downloads will be required.
2) Interest in Second Life as a teaching/learning platform will level-off and begin to be reduced as educators and students conclude that the educational benefits of a virtual world really aren’t that great. I’m sorry, I still just don’t get it.
3) Several new studies will be released showing that computer technology does have a significant impact on student achievement.
4) Several new studies will also be released showing that computer technology does not have a signficant impact on student achievement.
How about you — any predictions?
(Editor’s Note: Cath Riddoch makes an excellent point in the comments section — one that I had never thought of. She writes “I hope you are wrong about Second Life. For those of us with physical difficulties Second Life is amazing! I can run and even fly on days when I cant even stand in Real Life.” Now that I get…)
I hope you are wrong about Second Life. For those of us with physical difficulties Second Life is amazing! I can run and even fly on days when I cant even stand in Real Life. I would love to see a school on Second Life where I can teach pupils who, for whatever reason, are prevented from attending RL school.
Cath,
You make a great point about the value of Second Life for people facing physical difficulties, one which I’ve never thought about. Thanks.
Larry