DEVELOPING VALUES BASED PHYSICAL EDUCATION LESSONS IN THE 3D VIRTUAL WORLD OF SECOND LIFE

Having grown up in a global and digital networked landscape, students are entering an accelerating world of change in every aspect of life. In order for students to thrive in the new eras, educators must frequently re-evaluate the goals of education, seek new ways of learning and teaching and most importantly, inculcate values and 21st century skills among students through various learning platforms.The paper/presentation describes how Ngee Ann Secondary School harnesses the 3D virtual social networking environment of Second Life to complement the inculcation of Olympic spirit and values to support the teaching of Physical Education. Anchoring on the Respectful Mind (one of the minds in Professor Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future) and harnessing the rich 3D virtual environment, the school aims to promote the spirit of excellence as well as respect for countries, culture and environment as sportsmen through authentic simulated scenarios. The project is most timely as it complements the education component of the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore in 2010.