IMAGINARY SELF:VIRTUAL WOMEN PERSONAE

in SECOND LIFE (SL)

Nil Göksel CANBEKDr. Gülsün KURUBACAK

International Interdisciplinary Women’s Studies Congress 2009

Sakarya University

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INTRODUCTIONThe new communicational tools:

“virtual platforms”

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Virtual Platform: SL

combine world resources with distance learning related network technologies;

embrace digital communities of diversified population of elearners.

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SECOND LIFE3-D platforms–built upon the concept of:

online multicultural interactions

meaningful learning (Jonassen,

2000)

cognitive mindtools (Jonassen,

2000)

constructivist milieu4

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(e)Learners can: work on complex projects synthesize knowledge to build their

own understandings learn the essential skills and concepts

of online knowledge networks use their critical thinking skills to solve

real life problems in constructivist milieu

Bonk and Cunningham (1998); Cecez- Kecmanovic and Webb (2000); and Kurubacak, (2006)

Constructivist Milieu: SL

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3-D Internet-based virtual world created by its own active users worldwide;

Since opening to the public in 2003, it has grown explosively and is inhabited by millions of Residents from around the globe.

(Second Life, 2009)

Constructivist Milieu: `Second Life`

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to explore and widen different perspectives upon the structure of 3-D platforms namely SL

to highlight the strategies on SL’s fully integration to higher education

Second Life : a novel technology virtual social network

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PURPOSE-I

virtual social networks of SL

reshape the ideal selves;

create the fused identities;

build interactive learning;

learn to take part in collective practices;

experience interaction;

express themselves freely.9

PURPOSE- cont’d

Dimensions of active individual learning

extending cognitive theories through SL

elaborating fused identities for self expression

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BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

EXTENDING COGNITIVE THEORIES of LEARNING through SL

3-D virtual reality worlds provide a unique,

useful environment for designing spaces and

activities which synthesize:

(Bronack, 2008)11

EXTENDING COGNITIVE THEORIES of LEARNING through SL

(e) learners’ LLL needs responded with Cognitive Learning = Cognitive paradigm:

learner = an information processor (mind as a computer)

information comes in is being processed leads to certain outcomes

(Learning Theories Knowledgebase, 2009)12

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EXTENDING COGNITIVE THEORIES of LEARNING through SL

Mindtools foster meaningful learning:

Jonassen (2000); Peck and Wilson (1999) 13

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Bronack, Sanders, Cheney, Riedl, Tashner, & Matzen, (2008)

EXTENDING COGNITIVE THEORIES of LEARNING through SL

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ELABORATING FUSED IDENTITIESfor the SELF EXPRESSION of

DIGITAL FEMININE AVATARS in SL

“ an avatar, in the broadest sense, is an image that represents one party in an interactive exchange” (Sheth, 2003)

“ researchers have hypothesized that avatars may have a significant impact on how we behave online” (Heppner, 2008).

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ELABORATING FUSED IDENTITIESfor the SELF EXPRESSION of

DIGITAL FEMININE AVATARS in SL

With avatar figures, SL participants :move around the virtual realitylearn the ways to improve their social skillslearn to work in a collective teamdeal with social situations, benefit from socialized learning environment develop greater confidence in interacting with safe simulations. 16

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ELABORATING FUSED IDENTITIESfor the SELF EXPRESSION of

DIGITAL FEMININE AVATARS in SL SL gives avatars the option to present themselves through freer-definition of :

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virtual environments: expression

experience a different side of personalities

emancipate women from the social constrains

of life

abandon the superficiality of stereotypical

female anatomies.

The fused identities in 3D:

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Churches, schools, parents, books, magazines, all promulgated the same message: be a lady and you will be

loved and respected and supported;

If you deny the pattern and behave in ways considered unladylike you will be: unsexed, rejected, unloved, and you will probably starve

(Scott,1970)

Scott’s ideal of perfection

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As a response to the rigid rules and societal norms of the 70s:

SL provides: oa multiculturaloflexible online system

(Beerbaum, 2008)

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cross-cultural and interactive milieu

female avatars: can embody virtual selves; create ideal fused identities; learn to take part in individual

and group activities express themselves liberally

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Thank You