David W. Deeds: Global Learn 2012 Presentation

Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS):

3D Virtual Worlds Make It Reality!

David W. DeedsTechnology Integration Coordinator

Colegios Peterson, Mexico CityGlobal Learn 2012

Background International Baccalaureate (IB): nonprofit

educational foundation, helps students to develop skills (intellectual, social, emotional, personal) needed to live/work in a “rapidly globalizing world”

Diploma Program (DP): IB high school, prepares students for 21st century: inter- connectedness, international-mindedness, critical thinking

ITGS: 3D Worlds Make It Reality!

Background (cont.)

Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS): “…the study and evaluation of the impacts of Information Technology (IT) on individuals and society…[i]t explores the advantages and disadvantages of the access and use of digitized information at the local and global level”- IB ITGS Handbook


Background (cont.) Virtual world: computer-based interactive 3D

simulation, in which users take the form of avatars visible to others graphically

Second Life – commercial 3D virtual world with millions of users, hundreds of educational organizations “inworld”

OpenSimulator – “open source” version of Second Life, used for students 3-15 (Second Life only for learners 16 and older)


Better Traditional Academic Results:

“The early evidence, both rigorous and anecdotal, seems to strongly suggest that highly interactive virtual learning is a permanent transformation of the educational landscape…[t]his is due in part to interactive environments’ ability to produce better traditional academic results.”

- Clark Aldrich



ITGS Versus Computer Science:

ITGS – main focus is people, systems thinking, using existing software (and hardware), social context is vital, global reach

Computer Science – main focus is hardware/software, algorithmic thinking, creation of new software, business context is vital, usually limited audience


ITGS Three Strands:1. Social and Ethical Significance: intellectual

property, the digital divide, globalization and cultural diversity, etc.

2. Application to Specified Scenarios: business and employment, education and training, home and leisure, etc.

3. IT Systems: hardware/software, digital multimedia, project management, etc.


ITGS Three Strands (cont.):

Strands are to be taught in an integrated way, with the focus on stakeholders (individuals or groups affected by IT developments and/or proposed solutions).

Strands can be taught in any order. A project might be started via an issue, or a particular objective, or the IT systems involved.

ITGS International Dimension:

Embodies global and international awareness Emphasizes global reach (and effects) of

technological advancements Explores advantages and disadvantages of

technology at local and international levels Seeks to develop international connections

and cooperation, concept of “global village”


IB Learner Profile Qualities: Inquirers/Thinkers Knowledgeable Communicators Principled Open-minded Caring Risk-takers Balanced/Reflective


Traditionally Taught?

Textbooks such as: “Discovering Computers” for hardware/software, “Gift of Fire” for social/ethical considerations (now: ITGS textbook)

Online components such as: nings, wikis, blogs, websites in general (2D, not 3D!)

Generally, still typical classroom instruction


Now: 3D ITGS!


Now: 3D ITGS! (cont.)


Now: 3D ITGS! (cont.) Students maintain cybercampus in Second

Life, put on art/music/other shows Enables students (and teachers) to connect,

communicate and collaborate with others all over the (real) world

Learners actually are members of a global society (versus just reading about it!)

Products/services can help local and global students and teachers


Strand-Specific: Social and Ethical Significance: Students are

part of a million-user online community, joining hundreds of other schools

Application to Specified Scenarios: Students will run actual businesses in online economy, create/maintain intellectual property, etc.

IT Systems: Students must master Computer Aided Design, graphics/photography, project management, programming, etc.


Strand-Specific (cont.) Social and Ethical Significance: Students will

interact with other schools, ideally helping to bridge the digital divide

Application to Specified Scenarios: Student products/services will benefit others, will enable cross-curricular instruction locally

IT Systems: Instruction is student-centric, so students design and manage own projects, learning hardware/software in the process


Integration/Dimension-Specific:

Enables integration of the three strands in ways never possible before (direct relation- ships between technology, applications and social/ethical implications)

Literally (virtually) creates an interconnected “global village” via which students can not just study but impact fellow digital citizens around the (real) world


Profile-Specific:All qualities covered, particularly: Inquirers/Thinkers: Students are in charge of

their investigations/research Communicators: Students will meet and train

others to use 3D virtual worlds Risk-Takers: Students know about 3D games,

but have never done anything like this before! Principled: Students must develop and

practice digital citizenship skills


Summary: Peterson’s 3D ITGS surpasses all IB require-

ments: strands, profiles, dimensions, etc. Our 3D ITGS will revolutionize the way not just

this course is taught, but all IB classes Art and Music already involved, soon Science,

Math and other subjects (locally/globally) Ideal: 3D community of international schools,

sharing sims/regions/campuses (contact me if you’re interested in participating)


Thank you! Questions/Comments:David W. DeedsTechnology Integration CoordinatorColegios Peterson/Peterson SchoolsE-Mail: [email protected]: davidwdeeds, Twitter: dwdeedsScoop.it:

http://www.scoop.it/t/3d-virtual-worlds-educational-technology

Second Life: Deed Davids, visit Teaching 6, SLURL:http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%206/180/132/23


mailto:[email protected]



http://slurl.com/secondlife/Teaching%206/180/132/23

David W. Deeds: Global Learn 2012 Presentation

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