Does virtual reality belong in a seventh grade classroom? No. Not yet. Students have not yet learned the social etiquette of navigating the real world, so I do not feel that they are ready to be let loose in a virtual reality. Even with the technology that is available to them, students have (among other things) used technology as a mask. The mask (whether an email, a social networking site, or a blog) is used as an attempt to say whatever is on their mind and feel as if they are "hidden". At this point in the age of the developing adolescent, an avatar might empower them to bring cyberbullying to a whole new level.

Using virtual reality to role play historical events is an interesting idea. As an educator, I would be concerned about what the avatars might do or not do. Would I have control over where the students went or how they interacted with each other in this virtual reality? I know where the students are and what they are doing when they are physically in my class.

I can see the possibility of using virtual reality for science in the future. It would allow the avatar to "play" with science to learn.

Perhaps in the future I will change my mind if I feel that it is a safe place for students to go. For now, I feel that students will learn best from interacting with people from our actual world.

Here is a link for this week's lab:

http://wdgvmath.ning.com/

A Ning site (a social networking site) could be used in the classroom with the private setting enabled. Ning could be used to connect students to each other's ideas outside the physical walls of a school. It could be used to post short videos or pictures of a class field trip for parents and students to view. Knowing that the site is monitored by a teacher might inspire students to practice digital citizenship, as well.

Blog link #2

http://http://ictcenter.blogspot.com/2010/02/cyberbullying-and-electronic-finger.html