Virtual Worlds: Learning and Teaching in a Digital Age

Judy (aka MACS lecturer pal) wrote an excellent post about her experiences so far teaching the first years (you’ll find out it isn’t as straightforward as it sounds …): The snowmen armies: reflections on teaching first year computer science in Second Life

It’s a fascinating account of the first six weeks of this semester an gives insights into the pros and cons, the workarounds and the successes.

Judy mentions last year’s students, and since I have spent a lot of time recently analysing the data (I might get bored at weekends otherwise, aye?) I can tell you that I was struck by the instances of mentioning of achievements (what has been done) and pride (emotional response), of own goals and standards and of ways of independent and experiential learning to achieve said goals and standards and ultimately the pride. It seems to be that using Second Life was clearly worthwhile, but watch this space for more discussion of the findings, especially some thoughts on motivation.