SL....another reflection

I think that I am having SL withdrawls. I cannot believe that I put a solid 45-50 hours into SL and I came out learning a whole lot more. I have gone back in a few times and taken a great look at the final product that I created. Honestly, I am very proud of what I accomplished an I learned a tremendous amount about H. Gardner. To me, this was much more effective than writing a paper. I had to take it a step beyond and think how to make outsiders understand Gardner's learning theories.

I have gone into SL a few times and cannot believe that Malibu Island is so desolate. No one is working on their rooms anymore. I spent a great many hours with other cadremates and asking for their opinions while I was building my room! I in turn offered my opinions on their room. Having others around as I built my room inspired me to continue going.

The greatest pride that I took in my project was making the notecards for each description of the intelligences. I figured out that scripting without the assistance of anybody else and was even able to help others. All of my learning within SL was done through distributed learning. Either research on the Internet or advice from Cadremates.

Lastly, decorating my room was so much fun! It satisfied the decorating urge for very cheap. I will definitely continue to explore SL upon completion of the class. While I now understand how it can be used educationally, I still am not comfortable using it in the elementary classroom because of the X-rated material that "pops up" on non private islands.

SL-----and we've reached the finish line

I'd have to say that our learning theory project for Second Life has come to a close. There was much tension and stress leading to the finale last Monday night. Long hours and many trials and tribulations of things falling apart, last minute idea changes and working on a room by myself all played a part into those feelings. If you spoke to me a few weeks ago, I would have honestly told you that I did not know how any of this would come together.

All of the teamwork and dedication amongst our cadre was what really helped us get through it all. Even though we all had different theorists, each of us worked together to offer ideas from interaction to room design. I can honestly say that my room would not have been as successful if it was not for Brent's help with the interaction idea.

Choosing Gardner was a challenging feat. To show his eight intelligences interactively with one concept was quite difficult. Initially I wanted to teach everyone these intelligences through playing pool. However, when my pool table began to lose balls left and right (even with walls), I knew my idea would not work. Brent saved the day and found the Towers of Hanoi game in SL. I was able to show 5 of the intelligences through this one concept, Interpersonal, Mathematical, Kinesthetic, Verbal, and Visual. It was very challenging to tie all of the intelligences into one concept---much of what I read even stated this as well--but I feel I did a good job. I was even able to have streaming web video into my room.

Many of the visitors were impressed with my room, and this made me feel good. Something I worked so long and hard on...I would not doubt if I spent over 50 hours on this, was well worth it. I can honestly say though, I would have not been able to have done this by myself. I think working a team played a key part in my learning and the learning of others.

SecondLife

Well...I'd have to say that my opinions of SecondLife have changed. I'm still trying to figure out how it can be incorporate within a school curriculum, but I can honestly say that I am quite impressed with my learning curve.

Honestly, in the beginning, I was very frustrated. It took me 5 tries to make a building and align all of the sides. Even after I did so, I ended up not using anything I build. There was always a side that was sticking out. I did decide to use a pre-made building. From there, I decorated.

Decorating a room for Howard Gardner was actually peaceful. I can actually say that it is a lot cheaper to build a Second Life building than a real house. :) I can see how that can be addicting. Spending a lot of time on SL was actually the real way to learn. Even though the beginning part of building was very frustrating, once I got the hang of it, I actually enjoyed it . Not only did I learn how to use SL, I learned more about Photoshop. I used Photoshop to convert my pictures into jpgs. I felt so proud of myself for doing this.

On Friday I took a half day. I was super overwhelmed with everything in trying to finish Gardner's room. I worked from 11:30 until about 7pm. I cannot believe how much I accomplished by myself! I figured out how to make note cards. On each of the note cards I am distributing information about each of the intelligences. I gave a brief description of each intelligence as well as jobs that are applicable to each intelligence.

In the end, I found that with practice and experience, things come easier. You just have to be patient.