When you access this group space you will see a page similar to a web page with different sections for the different kinds of tools and content that the Instructor has created.

The Content

Content is a combination of different kinds of media including text pages, web links to websites and blogs, a link to a YouTube video.  To view the content click on the title.

The Blog Tool

In the top right-hand corner of the space, you will see the titles of the blogs that you will need to access to submit your postings.  Click on the title of individual blogs to go to it or click on the Go To Blog button to view all of the blogs that have been created.

The Discussion Space

Underneath the blogs you will see the discussion threads that have been created for you to participate in the discussions for the activity.  To access the discussion thread click on the title.  To access all threads, click on the Go to Discussion button.

To view the online help for the Ecto learning environment, click the help link at the top right side of the group page.

I hope you enjoy this activity.  Please post all feedback and comments about the activity to the Feedback thread in the discussion space.

Sandra.

This space should be used to post each group's new perspective constructed from the arguments and counter-arguments presented in the discussion space.

Post your perspective in the Comments box at the end of this blog.

This blog argues the con position that virtual worlds don't have any viable contribution to learning.

When you have conducted your research and discussed your position plan, post your position statement as a comment to this blog.

Here is a comment that expresses this position. 

"We have enough trouble dealing with violence, assault, and sexual harassment in the real world, but few of us -- even campus lawyers -- know how the law applies in virtual realms vended by companies whose service terms often conflict with due process in academe. The Chronicle of Higher Education

Post your position statement in the comments box at the bottom of this blog.

This blog argues the pro position that virtual worlds do contribute to learning.

When you have conducted your research and discussed your position plan, post your position statement as a comment to this blog.

Here are some comments from the web which highlight the positive impact that people think virtual worlds have for learning.

"Second Life provides a new and exciting space where students can explore issues that are both personal and global in significance." Jo Kay's website 

"The unique qualities of a 3D virtual worlds can provide opportunities for rich sensory immersive experiences, authentic contexts and activities for experiential learning, simulation and role-play, modelling of complex scenarios, a platform for data visualisation and opportunities for collaboration and co-creation that can not be easily experienced using other platforms." Jo Kay's Second Life in Education Wiki

Post your position statement in the comments box at the bottom of this blog.