Disruptive Techologies

Clayton Christensen describes a disruptive technology as a “new technology with the same functionality as an existing technology, but it functions more efficiently, costs less, and then obsoletes that technology” (Thornburg, 2009). 

Second Life (SL), is an example of a disruptive technology because it surfaced rather quickly and took the gaming world by storm.  SL allows users to create avatars, play games, travel, and interact in real time in virtual worlds; therefore, it has the potential to replace traditional computer games. 

Second Life also has the potential to have a major impact on distance education as well as businesses because it provides a platform to hold virtual meetings replacing the need to have face to face meetings. 

It also provides social benefits for those who are home bound and/or have social anxieties because it allows them to create a fully mobile avatar that is not bound by any disability. 

Although, Second Life came on the scene rather quickly, I don’t see it going anywhere soon!