Disruptive Technology

The focus this week is on “Disruptive Technologies” as put forth by either Thornburg or Christensen.

Dr. Thornburg stated a “Disruptive technology is new, has the same functionality as the existing technology but functions more efficiently” (2009).  Christensen stated “Disruptive technology was worse and not better” (2002).  Christensen elaborates further to include the fact a technology is not better may indeed create a niche.  Second Life has created just such a niche.  The author does not believe Second Life has indeed created obsolescence as proffered by the Thornburg definition, but in fact has created a well defined area where people from all walks and interests of life can congregate and create their own virtual world.

Second Life is a virtual world, a simulation where anything is possible.   Rosedale stated “Why do we dream about space?  If we went into space we would be able to begin again. …..anything is possible”.  This is why Second Life is so popular; there are no rules of matter or science which humanity must conform.  Second Life can be a powerful tool where science and life can interact and the impossible become possible.   

In education Second Life makes everything possible.  In September of 2011 Second Life was utilized to evaluate a surgical practicum for the University of Sidney.  Using 3-D Simulation Students were evaluated on their expertise in a simulated environment.  This is truly exciting.

Teachers use Second Life in and out of the classroom.  Teacher 2.0 is an environment where teachers meet and talk, take classes and try to better themselves at the craft they live and breathe.  Questions of the day are posted, along with postulates concerning “What did you do for teaching last year, what you did to become a better teacher last year, along with other questions of merit.  Second Life even has its own classroom http://secondclassroom.ning.com/   you will find different areas on teaching, classes, chats, and how to get a classroom started should you need one.

If you were to ask what has Second Life replaced from a technology perspective, maybe nothing, from a life perspective maybe everything.  There is no tension, no misbehavior, and the students want to learn.

References

Second Classroom. Downloaded January 18, 2012 http://secondclassroom.ning.com/

Teacher 2.0   http://teacher20.com/

Spooner, A.N. Nicholas, A. Creagan, C.P. Patrick, C. and Khandra, M. Second life for

            medical education.  September 2011. Elearn magazine.

            http://elearnmag.acm.org/archive.cfm?aid=2035934