Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Disruptive Technologies

As defined by Dr. Thornburg, a disruptive technology has the means of stopping an existing technology in its tracks because the disruptive technology offers more. I am not sure if I view Second Life as a disruptive technology per se.  If I were to agree that it is a disruptive technology then, I would have to say it has the potential of replacing any other form of Internet collaborative or social tool; nevertheless, it has the potential of replacing any application that allows users to communicate through the use of the web. As Rosedale (2008) reminds us, we are social creatures that enjoy working and socializing with others with similar interests and ideas. Second Life comes closer to fulfilling that need in a more in-depth level than any other application offered today. The natural need to create, organize, and exchange ideas is the basic part of social learning.

I am not sure how much time Second Life actually has. New companies are enhancing and capitalizing on the need for users to connect virtually and in real time. Other companies already in the field are beginning to heightened development in those areas that already encompass social networking and collaboration. Companies such as Google with Google+ are making connections easier and more efficient by adding circles, hangouts, sparks, and huddles.  That is the mere premise of a “wild card”, an unanticipated technology. While Google+ is in its trial phase, it sure has “wild card” potential.

So what are the benefits of Second Life? Because I have not entered Second Life, the benefits can only be seen through eyes of users and researchers. Mike Dee, a user commenting on Rosedale presentation, explains “..you have real discussions, and meet real people. It can be very intellectually stimulating. Walk into a cafe and sit down with someone from Denmark, Saudi Arabia, and Ireland.” In an educational stand point, Second Life could open the doors for intense simulations, dramatic role playing, and student-centered strategies engaging them in meaningful learning beyond the face-to-face teaching experience.

How has Second Life benefit your field of study?


Dee, M. (2010, May 6). Philip Rosedale on Second Life [Web log comment]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.
Lrodriguezetc. (2009, October 29). Second Life as a Disruptive Technology in Education. Retrieved from http://lrodriguezetc.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/second-life-as-a-disruptive-technology-in-education/

Rosedale, P. (2008). Philip Rosedale on Second Life [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/the_inspiration_of_second_life.html.
Thornburg, D. (n.d.) “Disruptive Technologies”

~Wanda Ardoin-Bailey
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3 comments:

  1. SullusJuly 30, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Hello Wanda,

    You have done an excellent job explaining Second Life in your discussion post. Second Life is a growing Internet and collaboration tool that allows users to become involved in several different virtual environments. I agree that it may be a while before Second Life stops another technology in its track, but an accelerated use can occur since the technology is become popular like the Internet in the early 90s. I know you stated you have not entered Second Life, but how do you see yourself using Second Life in the future base upon current literature?

    v/r
    Sullus

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  2. DollyJuly 30, 2011 at 10:21 PM

    Wanda,

    You have to give Second Life a whirl. I promise you it is absolutely worth the time. When you do you will see that although Google+ promises greater flexibility because it is not a large program like Second Life, the experience cannot be matched. It is a little difficult to navigate at first but you'll stumble upon some interesting people and have a great time traveling to all the different places.

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  3. Cathy MarzialiJuly 31, 2011 at 8:32 AM

    Wanda,
    As Dolly explains, Second Life is definitely difficult to navigate at first...especially for a digital immigrant like me. Today I actually gave it my first shot and it was fun. I still didn't have the courage to interact with anyone as it was all I could do to learn to walk and fly and move to some interesting destinations. That being said, I think that the potential of Second Life is being highly overlooked in the field of education. I could see high school students becoming very engaged in this type of learning environment. My next endeavor on SL will be to find a classroom to sit in and get a feel for the type of instruction that goes on. Have you ever heard of any high school who uses SL for instruction?

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