Feb 10 2008
One World - Virtual Environments
I stumbled across this presentation by Jonathon Cabiria on the LIFTO8 conference site. If I was ever asked what was one of the key parts of my work I would probably say, “changing hearts and minds”, particularly those who see social networking as a pure distraction from participating in ‘the real world’ and do not see the importance of self-identity in positive self esteem.
I challenge this constantly, highlighting the needs of those that live in rural communities and how participating in something like an online community can have far reaching benefits. Carol Craig at Teachmeet07 talked enthusiastically about how as individuals we feel most happy and content we are a part of something, be it community, group or even being part of the universe.
Jonathan talks about relationships in virtual environments and social justice. He explores how platforms such as Second Life can be a recommended activity for marginalized people, especially if they suffer from issues such as loneliness, depression, isolation, pessimism and/or low self-esteem.
Jonathan makes a very interesting point by asking the creators of such platforms to consider the health benefits of what they do, something we have been encouraging professionals to do into their practice here in Highland by conducting health impact assessments.
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One response so far
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Hi Louise, this is eactly the sort of issue I’m keen to explore further - I’ve just finished an assignment for my PE PGCE in which I’ve been looking at issues around “Poverty of Access” in rural areas. It strikes me that in the Highlands in particular, virtual networking (as much as I hate anything with the word “virtual” in it!) is a valid and extremely useful way of making links and broadening horizons.
In terms of its educational uses, I would point to the idea of schools attempting to blog and “Skype” in order to communicate with other learning communities as being a good way forward.