Virtual Learning Environments

In Presence, Interaction and ‘data space’, Leggett writes of cultural perceptions about presence in the western world, adding that presence has a virtual implication and that it must be examined taking into consideration cultural meanings including those that point to a subject-object relation that connotes distance. His discussion of Plato’s Phaedrus regarding writing as a new form of communication is important, especially in respect to how Plato was using the new medium (writing) to discuss the old medium (orality). On that topic, Leggett continues by stating “as with any new device [new technology?] … comparing the efficacy of its use with the familiarity and pervasiveness of the old methods was a part of a gradual adoption and continuing adaptation during the transition from the old to the new.”

Is it possible then to infer that the reason so many of the ‘features’ of the old (or real world) are adapted in the new technologies? Is that the reason why the houses in Second Life tend to look like the ones we build and inhabit in the real world? Are we then adapting an old form in order to move forward into a new way of communicating and interacting?

How do we create meaning? Through the ‘absent present’ of Derrida quoted by Leggett? Could that also translate to the real – imaginary? magical – literal? When we create a virtual presence what meaning are we establishing between the interface and the physical? Can we blur the boundary and consider both as an interface? My hand as it writes is the conduct of my thoughts, and my mouse as it selects and picks is also part of this relation. (Am I getting too philosophical? ).

In any case, regarding his other discussion, models of interaction, I couldn’t help but think of the exhibit I had just seen at MOMA of Olafur Eliasson where there was an awareness of the art and your interactions with it, and of the physical environment and presence that was being experienced and reflected back. Literally reflected in one case, when you entered a ledge jutting out of the building encased with mirrors in which you saw your reflection multiplied ‘ad-infinitum.’ Needless to say I became a big fan.

And those are my reflections regarding presence, interaction and data space.