Virtual world language learning: Difference between revisions

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==Alternative 3D worlds==

Many islands in Second Life have language- or culture-specific communities that offer language learners easy ways to practise a foreign language (Berry 2009).<ref>Berry C. D (2009) [http://news.rutgers.edu/focus/issue.2009-04-06.1814922901/article.2009-04-07.1692917645 "Virtual reality and high-tech simulations breathe second life into language classes"], ''Focus'', Rutgers University: USA, NJ. Retrieved 8 March 2011.</ref> Second Life is the widest-used 3D world among members of the language teaching community, but there are many alternatives. General-purpose virtual environments such as Hangout and browser-based 3D environments such as ExitReality and 3DXplorer offer 3D spaces for social learning, which may also include language learning. [[Google Street View]] and [[Google Earth]]<ref>{{cite news |last=Language Resource Center at UNC Charlotte |title=Google Earth Activities for Foreign Language Classes |url=http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2496396767023982994&hl=en&fs=true |work=Presentation at Instructional Technology Showcase |date=2007-10-11 |access-date = 2009-06-22}}</ref> also have a role to play in language learning and teaching.

''Twinity'' replicates the real life cities of Berlin, Singapore, London and Miami, and offers language learners virtual locations with specific languages being spoken. Zon has been created specifically for learners of Chinese.<ref>Zon: A multiplayer, online learning environment designed to teach Chinese language and culture through gameplay: http://enterzon.com/</ref> English Grid<ref>English Grid: http://englishgrid.com</ref> has been developed by education and training professionals as a research platform for delivering English language instruction using opensim.