It was interesting to have a look at these virtual worlds as I've heard so much about them through discussions with other TLs. It amazes me that people have so much time to dedicate to these sites and it concerns me that for some people the virtual world is their "real" world. You can see how addictive these worlds could become being able to create the person and life that you really want. (Maybe I should create a 2 year old son who sleeps all night!!!)
As far as an educational purpose, I couldn't see it being any use for me personally as I work in a P-7 school and the students are too young to participate in these online worlds (the kids are into Club Penguin! I guess that could be their virtual world...) I could however see the purpose with older students, especially if they are covering topics such as ethics or how society works as it would enable them to have different experiences that they may not otherwise have.
When I think of World of Warcraft, I'm reminded of a funny episode of "How I Met Your Mother" when Ted met a girl through Warcraft and they showed them interacting at the end - he was a female and she was male! I guess you can be whoever you want.
Pleased to hear you enjoyed checking out the virtual worlds. My son loves playing in his virtual "Club Penguin" world too..creating his own little penguin & working hard at different games so he can get cooler outfits. It's just a different target audience. For me I'm hoping this is where his interest ends..I guess it's all about balance.
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