Michael Jones

By my understanding, OCW projects present information created by a university which is presented in a virtual learning environment for free.  Using this definition, Second Life provides an ideal forum for OCW projects to be presented.  I think the concept of OCW is great, as it makes course materials globally available.  Also, the fact that these materials are free and available for use under a Creative Commons license allows quality, college level information to anyone.  In the past, knowledge has been a tool which was guarded, afforded only to the privileged and the wealthy.  OCW projects provide just another step in leveling the playing field for all.  Second Life enters the equation as an interesting place to obtain or “attend”  OCW projects.  Second Life can provide an interesting place where an individual in China can attend a course designed by University of Richmond at the island which U of R owns in Second Life.  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Second Life may actually bring a more human element to online learning when coupled with OCW.  For use in the classroom both Second Life and OCW projects would be useful.  Second Life might be a really interesting place to have students meet and perform some kind of project.  For example, students could meet in second life, and try to classify a strange organism they find using the taxonomic hierarchies we use today.  I also think OCW is a great resource for lesson videos or audio which contain the opinions of professionals within the content area.  Students could also use the information in their research for science projects.  Because the information contained in OCW project is free to use in any way you wish, the options for students and teachers are really only limited by the imagination.  I really can appreciate how technology is changing the availability of high quality educational materials and how they are presented.

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