Virtual+Worlds

Virtual worlds are exactly what their name implies, a virtual world. They are online communities in which people can create and interact with virtual environments synchronously. Users design avatars which are representative of the person operating them. Communication in these worlds has a wide range of mediums (text, audio chat, video, graphics, visual gesture, voice command, etc.). Virtual worlds are not just games. They can also incorporate conferencing, text based chat rooms, and free-range (or free- roaming) environments.

Virtual worlds do require accounts because they are online communities in which a user must gain access to a hosting server. Virtual worlds definitely were not designed with the classroom in mind; however, that does not mean that they cannot be used for educational purposes. Since they are basically free-range virtual environments, virtual worlds can be manipulated to serve whatever purpose the user desires. Thus, any user could create a classroom in which many students (other users) could congregate and interact. Privacy is usually not an issue because the user designs an avatar to represent themselves, but the user could give away private information through their interactions with others.

Latin is always a difficult subject to bring outside the classroom because the very nature of the study of a classical language does not lend itself to do. However, using a virtual world, Latin (or other ancient contexts) could be brought to life. One possible activity could be designed around this resurrection idea. Using a virtual world, a teacher could create a space where classical enthusiasts congregate and use ancient languages in whatever mediums they can (oral or text-based communication). And because a virtual world is not limited by the reality of distance, the teacher can reach users from the Vatican is possible.

You could create a classroom or chat room in a virtual world and invite professors from undergraduate studies to participate once a week or once a month. K-12 students could connect to this room and interact with university professors. Activities could range from asking questions to listening to Latin poetry to reciting poetry. The sky is literally the limit. This connects the students with a community of scholars outside of their schools, and any cultural aspect of this activity would be based on what the students are bringing to the room (or what the professors have to offer).

A specific virtual world which is currently undertaking a completely virtual school is [|Smallworlds] (link to Smallworlds homepage). [|(link to wikipedia page]) Virtual World Education