Saturday, January 23, 2010 00:00
Foto de dominio público teachers may not have completely virtual, however, but new advances in technology communications: the classroom walls are disappearing. Science for the teachers visited the University of Leicester, who are already developing a virtual environment to teach essential skills.
The department of genetics at the University of Leicester have developed a virtual laboratory where students can practice and laboratory standards of basic laboratory techniques, with a teacher as a virtual guide. Your virtual laboratory is constructed in the virtual reality environment Second Life online .

In Second Life, using an avatar (an animated character design and digital control) to interact with objects and spaces in the virtual landscape. Both teacher and students to use avatars. Dr. Suzanne Lavelle, who teaches biology at the University of Leicester shows how this technology can be used to teach students:

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moderator Life in a virtual classroom
In virtual classrooms, teachers can explain complex concepts visually and in the case of the University of Leicester, virtual lab, without the risk of costly and dangerous accidents in real laboratory.

The Open University, staff are also using Second Life to help make distance learning more personal, the OU has created a virtual campus, virtual rooms and resident student union bar.
If you are inspired by the work of the University of Leicester, check out our IT racing games and download design O careers tab .
If you are a parent or caregiver, can take a look at our ideas for parents and carers with young children and our tips for parents and carers with young and older children