SL Video: Drax Files: World Makers "Episode 44: Istanbul University"

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 From Draxtor Despress on April 10, 2017, "Professors Tuncer Can and Irfan Simsek from Istanbul University use the virtual universe of Second Life with hundreds of students every day.

"Why? They would probably cite the fact that SL empowers students from all over the world to rise above their own expectations: 'The freedom that students have through their avatars and their ability to create worlds in the context they need in the classroom can not be found anywhere else!' is their paraphrased credo that keeps coming up in conversation.

"For almost 10 years now Tuncer and Irfan use Second Life to train English teachers in the physical classroom and via remote instruction: students collaborate in role-play, do homework or film Machinima to use as custom supplemental materials.

"But Tuncer and Irfan don’t stop there: Educational technologists who study to become advisors on digital learning platforms in other schools and universities, examine the advantages [and pitfalls] of using SL in the classroom by designing proof of concept games for math instruction and climate change.

"Istanbul University with its 200.000 students is the city’s oldest university, founded in 1453, and a perfect example of how Second Life can work in education - when used by passionate teachers who are embracing the unique affordances of a world where boundaries collapse and cultural exchange is not only possible but an essential feature.

"As the buzz about how VR is going to revolutionize education is growing, it may be useful to remind ourselves: there is a digital world out there, used by countless educational institutions day in day out, ripe with possibilities and not going anywhere!

"For more info go to www.istanbul.edu.tr ."

The Philosophy Class: Looking for Spinoza

While school is usually associated with childhood and young adulthood, education doesn't end there. People self-teach in libraries and bookstores all the time. But sometimes an instructor is necessary, and so people go back to college or attend an adult education class. Such classes also exist in Second Life, including Professor Bergson's Philosophy Class. For nine years, Gemma Cleanslate has been attending, and a new semester is about to start. This year, the theme is "Looking for Spinoza." So who was Spinoza and why does the Professor consider him important?

Read Gemma's article in People.

Philosophical Landmark: Professor Bergson's 500th Philosophy Class

Education in Second Life can take many forms. There are museums one can attend. If one wants something more involved, there are classes one can attend. For Philosphy, Professor Herman Bergson teaches a class, and has been at it for a while. Yesterday marked his 500th class, and the professor isn't done yet.

Read more in Events.

Philosophy Class: "The Mystery of the Brain"

Summer break is over. Back to the studies. This is the 5th year of Philosophy classes in sl and I have not graduated yet, but have not been dismissed either!

Professor Herman Bergson is opening his classroom again this year starting with the 341st class. We have been through so many rewarding projects over the years: 100 Philosophers, 25+ Women Philosophers, 25 Adventures in Thinking, Modern Theories of ethics, The Ideal State, Political Philos., and presently The Mystery of the Brain. Of the present project he says, “ I have done a number of projects, but the present one, still "The Mystery of the Brain", is my most cherished one, because it is the direct follow up of the thesis I defended in 1977 at the university."

If you are interested in the study of philosophy with lectures and lively discussion every Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00pm SL time in his lecture hall at Wainscot. The classes usually last about 50-60 minutes. Come visit and listen then you can join the group is you like. You are always welcome.

Wainscot (221,179, 37)

Gemma Cleanslate