How do teenagers use digital technologies and Second Life?

A number of weeks back, I touched on the emerging phenomenon that is Second Life (see post 4th Oct 06). I have just read an excellent blog post by Arlene Goldbard relating to the use of digital media by teenagers today, under the title 'Worlds within Worlds'.

Her opinion is based on having read hundreds of essays by members of the teenage American population on the topic, and she has made a number of valid points. These points relate to the significant level at which ICT is embedded into teenage lives, and how they perceive a negative distrust amongst their parental figures, where devices such as the Internet are concerned.

Arlene's post develops to discuss Second Life and how these teenagers use Teen Second Life to prepare for their 'real world' future (otherwise known as First Life). This can be found at http://arlenegoldbard.com/?p=183 . It is a great piece and I found myself asking many questions about how such technologies could be harnessed by educators, as they seem to capture the imagination of students so well. It seems an ideal place for a strong educational presence by making the best educational materials available to all. I'm sure there are many people who would be interested in re-visiting topics of interest in this new and free format.

On the Internet and in Second Life, all the bounds of traditional schooling have been freed and the power now lies with the learner.