Ban 'Second Life' in schools and libraries, Republican congressman says - 6 views

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  #1 Jose Medrano on 11 May 10

   

  Looks like the use of Second Life in education is catching some heat from politicians. What do you guys think? Does Second Life do a proper job in screening for minors? My curiosity took me to some very shady places during our course, and I wondered if this curiosity would be present in teenagers.... What would parents say if they walked into their kids' room and saw their kids drug dealing and taking part in illicit activities? Would they say, "This is part of my homework, I just need to get back to the right land". ... I am interested to read what you guys think about this short article.
  
  http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9937956-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">Looks like the use of Second Life in education is catching some heat from politicians. What do you guys think? Does Second Life do a proper job in screening for minors? My curiosity took me to some very shady places during our course, and I wondered if this curiosity would be present in teenagers.... What would parents say if they walked into their kids' room and saw their kids drug dealing and taking part in illicit activities? Would they say, "This is part of my homework, I just need to get back to the right land". ... I am interested to read what you guys think about this short article. <br /> <br /> <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9937956-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9937956-7.html?part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20</a></div>

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  #2 Cathy Arreguin on 11 May 10

   

  May I chime in?
  His comments made quite a splash two years ago when he was running for re-election (Note post date). Nothing much came of it (except that he was re-elected). As noted in the article, he also sponsored legislation banning access to social-networking Web sites in schools and libraries.
  
  Teachers face battles over internet/site access every day. I think his reaction is part of a larger question/concern. As K-12 EDTEC thought leaders in our spheres of influence, what knowledge and principles can we bring to the table that will help establish policies allowing our students appropriate online access? If people are worried about content, is legislation banning technologies always the best reaction? What other options are there?
  
  Also - We know enough about SL now to counter some of his concerns. 1. He wasn't in Teen SL 2. You can "lock down" an island on TSL solely for students.
  
  ... Just adding my post-breakfast two cents. Feel free to heartily disagree and dissent! :)

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">May I chime in? <br /> His comments made quite a splash two years ago when he was running for re-election (Note post date). Nothing much came of it (except that he was re-elected). As noted in the article, he also sponsored legislation banning access to social-networking Web sites in schools and libraries. <br /> <br /> Teachers face battles over internet/site access every day. I think his reaction is part of a larger question/concern. As K-12 EDTEC thought leaders in our spheres of influence, what knowledge and principles can we bring to the table that will help establish policies allowing our students appropriate online access? If people are worried about content, is legislation banning technologies always the best reaction? What other options are there? <br /> <br /> Also - We know enough about SL now to counter some of his concerns. 1. He wasn't in Teen SL 2. You can "lock down" an island on TSL solely for students. <br /> <br /> ... Just adding my post-breakfast two cents. Feel free to heartily disagree and dissent! :)</div>

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  #3 Jose Medrano on 11 May 10

   

  I agree with you Cathy. You raise great questions. I think banning second life would not be a solution, but a detrimental quick fix, to a potentially effective form of teaching.
  
  The issue of global, or web citizenship must be addressed with young students well before entering an environment like second life. I found the article I posted to be very thought provoking.
  
  Have a nice day. :)

   

  <div class="cArrow"> </div><div class="cContentInner">I agree with you Cathy. You raise great questions. I think banning second life would not be a solution, but a detrimental quick fix, to a potentially effective form of teaching. <br /> <br /> The issue of global, or web citizenship must be addressed with young students well before entering an environment like second life. I found the article I posted to be very thought provoking. <br /> <br /> Have a nice day. :)</div>

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