FW: [GaLSA] Collaborations with the Quest Atlantis project
Maggie Verster
Here is a message from Steve from the Shuttleworth foundation (see
below)....but I just want to add my 2c worth....
QA is an amazing opportunity for us as teachers to really engage our
learners in some really contextualized "in-world" virtual reality learning.
There are some stunning maths quests (at this stage statistics and some
grade 6-9 basic maths, but I am sure that we will be able to put our own
contexts in, in due course) as well as science, biology, LO ....all
underpinned with researched pedagogy. It is a totally controlled SAFE
virtual world for teaching and learning. As a teacher you can take your
learners to the computer lab to do a maths or science quest of your choice.
You will be able to see exactly what they are up to (you get a teachers pod
and cool clothes after YOU have completed your first quest ;-)...) and what
is especially fab is that it really is aimed at higher order thinking skills
instead of drill and practice.
It also involves teaching kids about diversity, care for the environment and
all those fine things and you can use it to extend and reward your learners.
So all that is called for is for you to be brave enough to step into the
virtual worlds that the kids are already engaging in (World of Warcraft,
Need for speed, Second life) but the staff from QA is there with you all the
time (excellent training) even I have learned how to do somersaults, so you
can always ask me to come in with you and hold your hand.
So maybe it is time for us to stop moaning about MXit, Facebook and all the
other things the kids love and start using the things they love for teaching
and learning!!!! The magic is that that the kids can do it in their own
time, safely, as well (provided they have internet access-eeek) and you can
check up on them plus it also involves peer review for the learners. Oh and
did I mention there is cool rewards and no shooting involved....
Ok, I will return to my planet now...;-)
Maggie
Steve's message:
The developers of Quest Atlantis (QA), from Indiana University in the USA,
are looking for South African partners to pilot the QA project here and
collaborate with researchers from around the world.
"Quest Atlantis is an international learning and teaching project that uses
a 3D multi-user environment to immerse children, ages 9-15, in educational
tasks. QA combines strategies used in the commercial gaming environment with
lessons from educational research on learning and motivation. It allows
users to travel to virtual places to perform educational activities (known
as Quests), talk with other users and mentors, and build virtual personae.
Explore our site and learn more about this exciting project
(http://QuestAtlantis.Org)."
The call to join the International Consortium is attached. If you'd like to
join the international research team (and receive a stipend) and see your
learners interacting with others from around the world, as they conduct
science quests in-world, then please do apply (instructions are in the doc).
Thanks,
Steve
--
Steve Vosloo
Fellow, Communication and Analytical Skills Development The Shuttleworth
Foundation
Tel: +27 21 970 1240 | Fax: +27 21 970 1241
Web: www.shuttleworthfoundation.org
Blog: www.innovatingeducation.wordpress.com
Email disclaimer: wiki.tsf.org.za/EmailDisclaimer
B Hallowes
Interesting. Is this a SA thing? Is it like Think.oom? I must go check it
out. Lappie screen gone again so I'm using an old blurry monitor :-( Time to
upgrade.......
B
Brenda Hallowes
072 599 7277
Skype: bhallowes
Maggie Verster
No, it has been developed by the university of Indiana, but they want to
pilot it in Africa and see how it can be adapted to our contexts. Just yell
if you want to go for a spin on the virtual side of life! As safety is a
prime concern to them we will have to ask for them to create an account for
you. You will love it.
Mags
Sandra
I have several Schools where I work in the rural areas that may be
interested. Two of the schools have computer centres but no internet
access,. could this work... would there be financial support available to
install ADSL lines or is this offer only for the so called old model C
schools and independent schools