Discussion on LinkedIn's Technology Integration in Education

The discussion starts with a question: "Anyone using virtual worlds to teach? posted with a link to video of Owen Kelly talking about the failure of teachers to recognize the differences between real and virtual worlds.  But the posting and the video weren't a good match, at least for me.

A few posts though responded to the opening question.  I couldn't resist so jumped in with a comment:

An issue to consider, at least if you're in the US in K-16 education, is the issue of access. Some virtual worlds, even some online classes, are designed such that students with disabilities have problems accessing the course content. It's one of those issues that seems to get left at the wayside, when it should be one of the issues that's at the top of the list.    

One response, I took as positive was this one:

To your earlier point Raymond, while not strictly "virtual worlds" a few years ago I was involved in a project to provide distance learning (shared learning) to a severely disabled student in a remote rural area, as opposed to having to "bus" him in great discomfort for a couple of hours a day. In that instance we were able to provide far greater access and education choices than using real world education.

I understand this will not always be the case, but if we remain understanding of those with special needs, as you suggest, and throw in a little creativity, I am sure we will be able to improve access to a greater range of education choices to everyone. 

I especially like the final sentence.