Journal 2

"Real Life Migrants on the MUVE"
by Ross A. Perkins and Cathy Arreguin

MUVE, a multi-user virtual environment tool, is spreading like wild fire among the community. This is a program that has been around since the 1970's, has been modified, and is now catching the attention of educators who see endless possibilities in its structure. Second life, a new modified version, is attracting attention from elementary schools up to universities. The universities are using this program in their traditional classrooms as well as their distant learning classes. In the lower grades, they are utilizing this program to create projects and bring life to historical events. They have capabilities to construct 3-D projects, reenact scenes from historical events, assist in peer tutoring, and many more. A program like this enables kids to be creative and great thinkers.

Should I look into what makes MUVE successful?

Yes, I do think that it is important to fully research the parameters and structure it in a way that would be appropriate to my grade level. I think that DR. Dodge is smart to point out that before investing in such a program you should fully be aware of what it brings to the table. He is wise to point out that kids will latch onto something because it is new and that we should make sure if we are to invest that it will have a long term effect.

What types of activities would I use it for?

I really like the idea of bringing history to life. I can remember from my own experiences that sometimes a history lesson was brutally boring, but if I could add a 3-d dimension or have the kids use their own creativity to reenact a period of time, I think it would make it seem more amusing.