To what extent a virtual classroom should offer only language practice rather than teaching a language as in a real-life classroom is a matter for debate. Hundsberger's view (p. 18) is that “[…] SL classrooms are not viewed as a replacement for real life classrooms. SL classrooms are an additional tool to be used by the teacher/learner.”
In one case, Mike McKay, a university adjunct instructor of English in Japan, has founded a group in Second Life called [http://cyprischat.org Cypris Chat] which is dedicated to providing free opportunities for students to practice speaking English. The community has a strict English only policy. Hundreds of members from all over the world come to meet and speak with each other. There are also dozens of activities every week for learning and asking questions from volunteer tutors and fluent speakers.
