Virtual Reality Worlds

Virtual reality worlds have opened the world up for students from around the globe. Want to take your students on a field trip? You are no longer confined to seeing ancient cultures at the local museum, (although that is fabulous). You can easily get your kids online and go to a virtual field in one of the new virtual worlds.

Second Life

The most popular of the new virtual worlds is Second Life. This site is very broad and you can do absolutely anything here. Of course that could pose a problem for smaller kids. Second Life users are required to be 18 years old. Younger users have the more regulated Teen Second Life virtual world. In order to take your students on a field trip in Second Life you must use your account and hook your computer up to a large monitor such as a TV screen. Students can view the action while you navigate.

The Bottom of the Sea

Are you studying the ocean depths? Virtual worlds offer excellent field trips that allow you to see the ocean floor like never before. The NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association allows Second Life users to visit their “island” and explore what the ocean floor looks like from one of their submersibles. You will be provided with a guide who will explain everything you see to your students. You and your students will be able to talk with the guide via chat and ask questions.

A Real Piece of Work

Many art classes take advantage of virtual worlds. With just a few clicks a teacher can take an art history class to visit major museums in the Second Life virtual realm. Students can take a guided tour through the Second Louvre or enjoy the architecture of ancient Rome.

Ancient Cultures

Many countries have developed areas in virtual reality worlds that introduce students their history. If your class is studying Nigeria you can take them on an instant virtual field trip to ancient Nigeria using Second Life.

Nigeria has created an entire “island” dedicated to its history. Students can see how people lived in the past, what they did for work, what they ate, and the native flora and fauna. As with most sites, you will have a guide who will introduce you to the area.

Gone are the days of having to write to an Embassy to get information on a country. Students can nowadays not only find all kind of information through the internet, but also visit these countries through virtual reality worlds.

Its really impressive the thousands of virtual reality worlds you can find within Second Life. Most of these worlds have free access and everybody can visit them. Go to the Showcase to find a selection of the best virtual worlds in Second Life and enjoy them !