Virtual Worlds at Middlesex
A few short years ago, several MCC faculty formed the Virtual Education Research Group (VERG) in order to examine the teaching and learning potential of virtual world technologies. The work of VERG led to the establishment of MCC Island at Second Life, a virtual space where classes can be be held and students can explore the learning and engagement potential of one of the most promising technologies around.
The MCC Second Life Project was launched in August of 2010. The college maintains a region sized learning studio
designed to provide multiple opportunities for MCC faculty, students and staff to
facilitate engaging lessons in all academic divisions and across disciplines.
A short list of virtual learning activities includes:
Learning Communities - Born Identity, which combines psychology and writing and focuses on the concept of identity on-online,
has made extensive use of our space this semester. Learning activities start with
a general introduction to virtual words and lead to studies in the concepts of public
persona, the self, diversity, space, and interacting with others. The class is being
used as a pilot to test the space as a tool for improved models of engagement for
future learning communities.
World Languages- This semester saw the launch of a pilot program for virtual immersion for students
of Finnish. Partnerships were established with Harvard University and The University
of Eastern Finland that allow peer tutoring between native speakers of Finnish and
English. Other languages in the planning and coordinating stage include Arabic, French,
German, Spanish and Khmer.
Business - Lessons on leading virtual teams are being explored by students in Introduction
to Business and Principles of Management. Sales and marketing students are likewise
exploring the use of virtual realms and other social media in the new economy.
Communications - Teachers of Mass Communications and Radio Production are leading students through
the nature of 3D communication on a global level. Some of these lessons will be published
in the fall as part of the Title III Strategies for Success redesign for Mass Communications.
Currently, instructor Jim Grenier (project manager) and Peter Shea Title III pedagogical/instructional designer conduct training workshops on how the Island can be used. You can contact them at grenierj@middlesex.mass.edu and sheap@middlesex.mass.edu.