Minimizing Barriers to Educational Use of MUVEs

College and K-12 funding can vary each year but the real value and adoption potential for education is in positive student feedback. Certainly MUVEs (multiuser virtual environments, such as Second Life) offer at least initially reduced start up costs by not needing brand new facilities in RL or expensive real world simulations. However, campuses will need to provide better than average computers, with reasonable graphics capabilities, as well as fast bandwidth to get the best results.

I am currently struggling with that issue in my orienting students in a face to face situation, which requires much time and can affect a budget in education. This is a most essential activity for learner so that they become moderately capable in using learning objects, use of cameras, moving and communicating. Another important hurdle to overcome is the complexity of the user interface of Second Life. OnRez just came out with a better browser for the CSI sims (http://www.onrez.com ). Extensive one on one training is needed especially for many adult learners, students and teachers alike, not too much different than it was with email’s introduction. They also benefit from face to face group activity, at least at the beginning. Many of the younger users at the college level quickly adapt to the environment, because of other social networking systems they are involved with outside of courses.
One interesting argument in favor of colleges and K-12 using MUVEs is the Webkinz, a phenomenon that along with other social networks for young kids, is becoming very popular (http://www.webkinz.com ). Student may have an expectation to learn using an online social network (SimpsonScarborough blog, http://www.simpsonscarborough.com/blog/2007/05/second_life_webkinz_and_the_future_of_vi.html). As students are exposed to positive learning experiences and the curriculum is sound, MUVEs will grow tremendously in education.