More on Games in Education

[avad]

Ok, now we're getting somewhere, methinks.

Regarding the thinktank project I'm involved in...and potentials for educational activities on a virtual 'Better World Island', came across something hopeful today. Don't know how many of you are familiar with The Sims ? It's like SecondLife in ways but much more 'game oriented'...you're developing/influencing the artificial life of a character you create by making specific decisions. Very popular game/pasttime given that it is touted as the 'best-selling PC game of all time'.I was looking into this before finding SL, trying to envision how the technology could be used for purposes beyond entertainment.
Personally I like the more open-ended 'game-less' format of SL much better...but when thinking of how to engage minds (especially of the younger generations), 'games' have much of a historical allure.

Now take a look at this incredible educational tool I that takes the basic concept of the Sims to awareness/consciousness raising levels!:

"Real Lives - by Educational Simulations

Experience life as a:

-Peasant farmer in Bangladesh
-Factory worker in Brazil
-Policeman in Nigeria
-Lawyer in the United States
-Computer operator in Poland
or any of thousands more ...

Real Lives is a unique, interactive life sim that enables you to live one of billions of lives in any country in the world. Through statistically accurate events, Real Lives brings to life different cultures, political systems, economic opportunities, personal decisions, health issues, family issues, schooling, jobs, religions, geography, war, peace, and more!"

I think this can be an Amazing tool for schools and interactive learning, don't you?
I wonder about how we might be able to integrate content of this sort into SecondLife.

Comments

[avad.livejournal.com]

oh thanks for explaining that- I thought I was missing something in the navigation of the D3Dworld site because I couldn't find what you mentioned.

As for the 10percentclub post- please don't hold out! I Love seeing your posts.:)Makes me feel like the community is active!<3

[rosylavie.livejournal.com]

O.K.! I'll do it this evening, after I've been through with my accounting.

I invite you to join alternatives_av (peace-international's) community and to make a post about your 10percentclub.

Peace,

Julie