Brodmann’s Brain

While the areas of the human brain were mapped by Brodmann over a hundred years ago, they are still useful for study today. Learning about the brain in the metaverse, where students embodied as avatars can enter virtual spaces together, provides a new and enlightening experience.

A recent tour for the VWER (Virtual Worlds Education Roundtable) provided a lively discussion about the potential for students to enter content in new ways. A 3D model built by Dr. David Hubbard (David Arguna in Second Life) illustrates a high quality learning experience that cannot be done in the physical world. One educator said, “This is much easier to see and imagine than simply looking at a picture in a book.”

The metaverse is quickly evolving and will provide new ways to learn. Educators at the VWER weekly meeting on Thursdays at NOON Pacific Time believe VR headsets are not really necessary! Virtual worlds provide a great way to be immersed in 3D learning in the metaverse without the trapped feeling and high cost of individual headsets. In Second Life, students cannot just learn in environments like Brodmann’s Brain, they can create rich learning spaces themselves.

Educators and learners interested in these new opportunities should acquaint themselves with the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium and the Community Virtual Library.