the ninety-ninth episode of ventriloquy is inspired by the story of seven-year-old Matthew Hansen, who lives in the Falklands.
prior to reading his story, i must admit that i had not given much thought to how learning and schooling take place in really remote locations. the unique curriculum that has been developed for Matthew has made me ponder anew the extent to which simulations and virtual worlds contribute to, or indeed detract from, a true education (regardless of how the latter is defined).
i can't help thinking of a 1994 episode of the television series SeaQuest DSV. in 'playtime', mankind has destroyed itself in the 23rd century, due to its dependence on computers for entertainment. the only humans left on the planet are two adolescents, who are playing out their nihilistic tendencies through a videogame which is no longer a virtual representation. an exaggerated allegory for sure, but nonetheless one which is just as relevant in the age of Second Life as it was for a culture on the brink of the debut of the original PlayStation.
please do join me in this 4.6 MB download, which was recorded using a Belkin TuneTalk and an iPod nano.
Show notes:
- Matthew's story (BBC News photofeature)
- SeaQuest DSV (wikipedia entry)
- SeaQuest DSV 'playtime' (TV.com entry)
- I, videogame
- Peacemaker
- PacificRim Exchange
- Students give up social networks for Lent (CNN article)
