Virtual Peer Mediation

A really interesting piece by Jennifer Nieto and Peggy Ward on how to use the online 3D environment Second Life to assist in peer mediation training. The most interesting part is how little attention is given to the novelty of the training environment, imho.

"Our simulation will /give/ students more practice with mediation role-plays, and accommodating some of the concerns about performing. Some students are less confident about speaking in front of a group than others. Others have an intense fear of public speaking or public presentation of any kind. This has been a problem in the past; in fact, some students have even refused to engage in these essential role-plays and thus have not actually earned the credentials to mediate with real student clients. The use of the virtual world of Second Life for these initial role-plays will help these students practice these skills without worry about their insecurity as a public speaker..."

(hat tip to Sanjana)

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