Exploring EdTech Island

Exploring EdTech Island was an adventure. I explored the Little Red School House. While exploring it, A wave of nostalgia swept over me as I thought about watching Little House on the Prairie and seeing the little one room school house in Walnut Grove. I also explored the Gadgets Factory. I previewed different samples of floor tiles. I went into the innovation pavilion and I sat on the back of a horse statue. When I went to the sandbox, I met a Spanish speaking resident. He wanted to chat, but I am a little rusty with my Spanish. His English speaking friend joined us and we had a brief conversation. They were amazed that I was getting the opportunity to play a game for a class. I ended my exploration of EdTech Island by building my box and sitting on it. I am anxious to see what else lies ahead in the world of Second Life.

Moving and Viewing in Second Life

I actually enjoyed exploring Eagle Island. I walked, ran, and flew over and over again. I went to different locations. I sat in front of a campfire and changed the lighting so it would appear to be midnight. I was a lot more open minded during this quest than I was when I completed the first quest. It seemed to be a lot easier for me to maneuver because at some point, the lightbulb went off and I used the arrow keys to move. Previously, I had been doing a lot of pointing and clicking. Right now, I am feeling a little more optimistic about Second Life, but all of that can change when I get the details of the next quest.

Walking and Moving in Second Life

Walking and moving in Second Life was kind of challenging for me. I am so used to just dragging my mouse and clicking to move, but this was a little different. I ended up teleporting to another location and my instructor had to give me the link to get back to the welcome area. I will say that if I don't become a little better with maneuvering in Second Life, I will not continue the fun once this class is over.  I was finally able to get my screenshots. I think being a Second Life resident will have to grow on me a little more.

Video Game Seduction Secrets Reflection

Some of the same principles applied in gaming should also be applied in the educational arena. The magic circle is mentioned in the article. This is where the rules of the real world do not apply. A learning environment should be a magic circle where the stakeholders play by their own set of rules. In the world of gamers their are many interesting tools. This is true in the educational world as well. There are many interesting tools that can be used to enhance learner. Games use the self determination theory. This theory should also be emphasized in all ares. Therefore, the parties can reach the next stage and acquire rewards and bonuses for exceeding standards.

Reflections on Jane MacGonigal's Talk

Jane MacGonigal is a very captivating speaker. She held my attention from the very moment the video started until the very end. My initial impression of the talk was shock. I was shocked at the number of hours a week we spend playing games. When she mentioned that this was not enough time, I did not think she was serious until she clarified that she was indeed serious. I definitely agree with what she said about seeing the same expression of someone on the verge of an epic win on the face of someone who is trying to solve real life problems. The same energy and concentration should be put into real life that is put into games. I do believe play and learning can be combined. This class is the perfect example of that.

Reflection on the Ted Talk

I was really surprised at the amount of money people spend buying virtual items in games. I was not surprised at the number of people who play the games. I am an avid gamer and I know that millions of people are avid gamers as well. This talk may impact my approach to designing games. I will put a lot of effort into creating games that are very engaging and that will give the players intrinsic and extrinsic rewards.l I like the idea of the experience bar to measure progress. Also, I think the long and short term aims are a great idea. Rewarding effort is good too because the users may be more motivated when they are rewarded just for trying.

Second Life

     Second Life is a virtual world. The users are called residents and they interact with each other. Residents can select and avatar. They explore different destinations and they can buy virtual property. Residents can also communicate and participate in different activities.
    I think the overall usability of Second Life in enriching. Users can go on virtual journeys and communicate with people all around the world. This can all be done behind the mask of an avatar. I think the possibilities of an awesome online experience while using Second Life are endless. I also believe that Second Life has a bright future because it gives its residents an escape from their everyday life experiences.