Talking with Milo. Amazing Reality in Virtual World Interface

Talk about realistic interaction - - - this Milo video is absolutely amazing!

This is a system where the on-screen boy, Milo, can recognize faces, voices and even emotions in our voices.  The ability for the user to interact within the video world is astonishing but watch what happens when the user "hands" a paper with a hand-drawn photo to the character on the screen and you will be astonished.

Imagine what this could do in learning situations.  Doesn't necessarily have to be in the classroom. This would be even more effective during the non-school hours as tutor, collaborator or even tutee.

Video Games | Lionhead Milo Project | E3 09: Milo Tech Demo

Xbox 360 | PlayStation 3 | Nintendo Wii | PC Games

What do you think?  Where do you think that this will change the educational world?  Will it endanger schooling as we know it today?

Virtual Lives for Kids? - 8+ Virtual Worlds for Kids

I am teaching an awesome group of educators in my Emerging Instructional Technologies course here at the University of Northern Iowa this week. Yes, we have been meeting online for the past 6 weeks and are presently involved in a 5-day, 40-hour face-to-face class this week. Check out our blog.

Anywho, yesterday we spent 3 hours exploring Second Life. The students found it interesting but frustrating because they wouldn't be able to use it with their students (Yes, we discussed the Teen Grid.)

One of my students, Sara, was motivated to search for virtual worlds for kids.  She used a wonderful photo of cats and sought 9 virtual worlds.  Unfortunately, she only found 7 (quite a task at that) and is still looking for another 2 to complete her list.

I would suggest that she include the Penguin Club. It basically provides students with a place to hang out virtually.  It is free unless you want some additional options. The membership is $6/month.

Can you find some more virtual worlds for her?  If so, go to her site and add them as comments.
Go read about Sara's Sighs.

If you want some great reading, read our blogs. My students are practicing educators, IT administrators, office managers and even have a school custodian. They are an amazing group with wonderful visions of what can can be made possible in education through technology.

Z

photo:clubpenguin.com