Virtual world language learning: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 16:39, 24 June 2009

Revision as of 16:40, 24 June 2009

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Almost all virtual world educational projects envisage a blended learning approach whereby the language learners are exposed to a 3D virtual environment for a specific activity or time period. Such approaches combine the use of virtual worlds with other online and offline tools, such as 2D virtual learning environments (eg Moodle) or physical classrooms. Other virtual world based language learning is intended to offer a complete language learning environment through a virtual world.

Virtual worlds such as Second Life are used for the immersive, <ref>{{cite news |first=Douglas |last=Canfield |title=Using Immersive Learning Environments in Foreign Language Classes: Second Life |url=https://www.calico.org/p-398-%20..html |work= Paper presented at CALICO 2008 |date=[[2008-03-20]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref> [Ref: Cranfield: https://www.calico.org/p-398-%20..html] collaborative <ref>{{cite news |first=Jessamine |last=Cooke-Plagwitz |title=Conversing in the Metaverse: Language Teaching and Learning in Second Life |url=https://www.calico.org/p-398-%20..html |work= Paper presented at CALICO 2008 |date=[[2008-03-20]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref> and game-like <ref>{{cite news |first=James |last=Chan |title=Developing a Meaning-focused and Task-based Virtual Learning Reality |url=https://www.calico.org/p-398-%20..html |work= Paper presented at CALICO 2008 |date=[[2008-03-20]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref> opportunities they offer language learners. As such, virtual world language learning can be considered to offer distinct (although combinable) learning experiences

* '''Immersive''': Immersive experiences draw on the ability to be surrounded by a certain (real or fictitious) environment that can stimulate language learning.<ref>{{cite news |first=A |last= Jeffery |title=Immersive Learning and Role Plays in Second Life |url= http://www.editlib.org/?fuseaction=Reader.NoAccess&paper_id=27616&CFID=11235801&CFTOKEN=55305587 |work= Proceedings of Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference 2008 |date=[[2008]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref>

* '''Social''': Almost all 3D virtual spaces are inherently social environments where language learners can meet others, either to informally practice a language or to participate in more formal classes. .<ref>{{cite news |first=Laurence |last=Johnson|title=Virtual Worlds: Inherently Immersive, Highly Social Learning Spaces |url=http://immersiveeducation.org/library/Immersive_Learning-Johnson_and_Levine.pdf |work=The Immersive Education Initiative |date=[[2007-04-18]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref>

* '''Creative''': A lesser-developed approach to language learning in virtual worlds is that of constructing objects as part of a language learning activity.<ref>{{cite news |first=Gavin |last=Dudeney |title=A Coffee with Gavin Dudeney |url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLpb7f06LmI |work= Recording of live event at EduNation in Second Life |date=[[2008-10-28]] |accessdate = 2009-06-22 }}</ref> There is currently little documentation of such activities.

==Owning and Using Land in Virtual Worlds==