Is Second Life a disruptive technology? If I consider what I read I would say yes because without a doubt Second Life attracted an untapped demographic. Arkadi Kuhlmann, the CEO of ING Direct, states “innovation for growth is a road map that business needs to meet today’s global challenges”. Second Life has certainly carved out an innovative path.
However, I could consider it an evolutionary technology and not a disruptive technology. For example, both the Sims and the World of Warcraft and its previous editions were pioneers in life-simulation software. However, I cannot completely close the door on Second Life as a disruptive technology. One cannot overlook the role-playing aspect and swings the pendulum to the tool being a disruptive technology.
This innovative software’s shelf life may last an additional five years. An emerging technology may be just a patent submission away. A real time component may be the next development. For instance, the game player controls a real life avatar in the movie the Gamer.
The social benefits of Second Life is may help with social development and it may help develop social skills which can be applied in the real world. In education, this may allow shy students to share their thoughts. Students might be more able to overcome their introverted nature. Of course, the creative nature of Second Life provides invaluable opportunities for student and teachers to present innovative presentations.
Neveldine, M .(Producer),& Taylor, B. Gamer(Director), (2009), Gamer [Motion Picture], United States, Liongate
Retrieved on July 24, 2011, from http://moneyterms.co.uk/disruptive-technology
Retrieved on July 24, 2011, from http://secondlife.com/destinations/roleplay
Retrieved on July 24, 2011, from http://jiito.org/articles/JIITOv5p025-050Vasileiou431.pdf
I'd love to see a collaboration between the current leader in educational platforms and today's most popular 3D life simulation to create an "edutainment" learning environment.
ReplyDeleteI agree that "Second Life has certainly carved out an innovative path". I welcome this technology because it allows our fantasies to act as a force behind emerging technologies and new innovations.
I value second life's role along with,"both the Sims and the World of Warcraft". Technology visionaries use imagination to change society by bringing new technology into existence.
I think that using 2nd Life for a project is a great idea for students to share what they learned.
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