Reading #8

Common Sense Media Forum webcast

This webcast really highlighted some of the issue and dichotomies of virtual worlds for teens, and more importantly some of the educational potential. I was not sure when to cheer, when I heard the controlling parents or the sort of liberally minded virtual advocates. I came to a couple of conclusions. One, these virtual worlds are potentially dangerous. Two, virtual worlds have huge educational potential. But I think both can be addressed through a single philosophy.

Children at play have always tried to replicate what adults do in their own little worlds and according to their interpretations. There is an element of rebellion and self actualization. Kids play house, with cars, and role play everything. What is especially surprising about them doing this behavior online? Why not accept this form of play and use it for education. I think people are made to play as a way to learn. I liked what one of the panelists said, "when you stop learning you stop having fun". Here is what I'm driving at: Make virtual worlds as relevant and real to the experiences and issues of the real world. Virtual world should be the new playgrounds of the real world in miniature seen through the eyes of a child.