Second Language Teaching in Virtual Worlds

2011 ◽  
pp. 412-437 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo Frias ◽  
Ricardo N. Fernandes ◽  
Ricardo Cruz
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Learning Contexts ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Language Context

This project is a proposal for a case study that aims to describe and understand communicative and pedagogical processes involved in Second Life® (SL™) in a context of second language learning, by modelling in-world lessons of Portuguese as a second language for ERASMUS students1 arriving in Portugal. The purpose is to provide examples of situated e-learning driven activities and perceive how an immersive context stimulates learning by involving students in a virtual reality situation, where real life language context situations are provoked and where ‘not possible in real life’ learning routines happen. This will allow experiencing the advantages of this platform compared to physical life teaching and learning contexts, through the inherent characteristics of this medium, such as the synchronous and simultaneous use of voice and text.

Using the Interaction-Combinations Integration Model to Explore Real-Life Learning in User-Created Virtual Worlds

2011 ◽  
pp. 47-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Antonacci ◽  
Nellie Modaress ◽  
Edward Lee Lamoureux ◽  
David Thomas ◽  
Timothy Allen
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Emerging Technologies ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Learning Activities ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Case Study Method ◽  
Integration Model

User-created virtual worlds are emerging technologies with rapidly growing acceptance in education. Of the various reported educational uses of these virtual worlds, the focus of this chapter is on virtual worlds for constructivist learning activities, because this use has application to many real-life courses and has the potential to transform teaching and learning. To assist educators with recognizing and understanding virtual world learning activities, Antonacci & Modaress (2005, 2008) developed the Interaction-Combinations Integration model. However, this model has not been studied in actual virtual-world learning practice. Using a case study method, this chapter examines the usefulness of this model to organize and describe actual virtual world learning activities, provides additional learning activity examples, and describes what was needed to implement and conduct these learning activities.

scholarly journals 3D Interactions between Virtual Worlds and Real Life in an E-Learning Community

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrike Lucke ◽  
Raphael Zender
Keyword(s):  
Learning Community ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Real World ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
E Learning ◽  
Learning Scenarios

Virtual worlds became an appealing and fascinating component of today's internet. In particular, the number of educational providers that see a potential for E-Learning in such new platforms increases. Unfortunately, most of the environments and processes implemented up to now do not exceed a virtual modelling of real-world scenarios. In particular, this paper shows that Second Life can be more than just another learning platform. A flexible and bidirectional link between the reality and the virtual world enables synchronous and seamless interaction between users and devices across both worlds. The primary advantages of this interconnection are a spatial extension of face-to-face and online learning scenarios and a closer relationship between virtual learners and the real world.

scholarly journals Multimodal research: Addressing the complexity of multimodal environments and the challenges for CALL

ReCALL ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sabine Tan ◽  
Kay L. O’Halloran ◽  
Peter Wignell
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Relative Effectiveness ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Multimodal Learning ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

AbstractMultimodality, the study of the interaction of language with other semiotic resources such as images and sound resources, has significant implications for computer assisted language learning (CALL) with regards to understanding the impact of digital environments on language teaching and learning. In this paper, we explore recent manifestations of CALL in 3-D virtual worlds, illustrated by the example ofSecond Life. The multimodal analyses of a conventional face-to-face lesson and three language learning activities inSecond Lifehighlight some of the affordances and challenges presented by 3-D virtual environments. The results suggest that while multimodal resources integrate naturally to facilitate language teaching and learning in an orderly, structured and goal-orientated manner in classroom lessons, the often uncoordinated use (or absence) of avatars’ gaze, facial expression, body posture, gesture, as well as the unclear proxemics and use of space pose problems for effective communication in a 3-D virtual world. In addition, a “technology-oriented” register, alongside traditional instructional and regulative genres and registers, is introduced to help students cope with the demands of learning a language in a 3-D virtual environment. The study raises the issue of the relative effectiveness of 3-D virtual worlds for language teaching and learning. In doing so, a digital approach to multimodal research is proposed in order to address the complexity of multimodal learning environments and the various challenges for CALL.

scholarly journals Virtual Worlds Come Of Age

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuart Barnes
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Real World ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual Communities ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Channel Activity ◽  
Brand Building ◽  
Successful Case ◽  
Media Hype

Virtual worlds have been purported to provide a fertile bed for marketing and brand-building for real-life companies. In Second Life, for example, there was a flurry of media hype and activity by companies in the period from 2007-2008. Several years on, however, the reality is that most of the big name brands have pulled out of Second Life. One of the reasons for this is the poor level of value generated for customers by the virtual brand experience, poor interactivity, a lack of brand and channel fit, and inadequate understanding of virtual communities. Recently, a new form of more targeted brand offerings has emerged. Branded virtual worlds, many of which are targeted at the youth segment, are growing rapidly. Many of these worlds attempt to bridge the gap between the real and virtual worlds, including advertising and real-world tie-ins, as well as subscriptions and digital micro-transactions. This paper examines one such virtual world, buildabearville.com, and its real-world counterpart, Build-a-Bear Workshop. This successful case study has become increasingly important in driving revenues and cross-channel activity for the company. The paper rounds off with conclusions and implications for practice in this very new area of investigation.

Pedagogical Insights Into Hyper-Immersive Virtual World Language Learning Environments

2020 ◽  
pp. 917-932
Author(s):  
Geoff Lawrence ◽  
Farhana Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
World Language ◽  
Beliefs And Practices ◽  
Immersive Virtual Environments ◽  
Affinity Spaces

This article shares pedagogical insights from a qualitative study examining the use of immersive social virtual worlds (SVWs) in language teaching and learning. Recognizing the language learning affordances of immersive virtual environments, this research examines the beliefs and practices of ‘Karelia Kondor,' an avatar-learner and teacher of languages with a decade of diverse experiences in Second Life (SL), one of the first widely used SVWs. Findings highlight the relevance of a hyper-immersive and emotionally engaging conceptual model informing language teaching approaches within these rapidly evolving environments. When supported pedagogically, the activities illustrated demonstrate the potential of these immersive approaches to create communities of practice and affinity spaces by fostering investment and autonomy in the language learning process through shared target language experiences. The article will conclude with a summary of pedagogical insights leveraging the affordances of these environments.

scholarly journals BARRIERS AND MOTIVATION FOR LEARNING ENGLISH: A CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nurul Izlin Mat Razi ◽  
Noor Hanim Rahmat
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
English As Second Language ◽  
Cultural Barrier ◽  
Motivation For Learning ◽  
Culture And Language ◽  
Learning English

In countries where learning English as a Second Language (ESL) is made compulsory, yet it is actually a foreign language to many learners, problems occur among learners. Language is the reflection of culture itself as the language can shape the society. Problems in language learning may occur due to several barriers. Firstly, cultural barrier is one of the barriers that is difficult to resolve. The barriers may influence the motivations to learn. The aim of this study is to investigate cultural barriers and motivation issues that might influence the process of learning English. 69 respondents participated in this quantitative study. The instrument used is a survey and it has 3 parts; 1) demographic profile, 2) culture and language learning and 3) motivation and language learning. Findings reveal that cultural barriers and motivational issues do have influence on learners’ language learning. Findings of this study bear interesting implications towards the teaching and learning of English as second language. <p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0629/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

scholarly journals On the MUVE or in decline: Reflecting on the sustainability of the Virtual Birth Centre developed in Second Life

2012 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Stewart ◽  
Deborah Davis
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Clinical Experiences ◽  
Birth Centre ◽  
Clinical Scenarios ◽  
Life Education ◽  
Learning Projects

<span>Pressures in terms of the availability of quality, real-life clinical experiences for students have resulted in increased interest in the use of simulation in a variety of healthcare disciplines. </span><em>Te wahi whanau: The birth place</em><span> is a Virtual Birth Centre (VBC) that was created in </span><em>Second Life</em><span> in 2009 as part of the Second Life Education in New Zealand (SLENZ) initiative. It was introduced to midwifery students at two New Zealand polytechnics, with the aim of exposing the students to a birth centre environment and providing them with an opportunity to practise midwifery through immersion and engagement in a number of clinical scenarios. It has been just over two years since the development of the VBC, yet it is no longer used in the midwifery programs in which it was introduced. Using the VBC as a case study, we recount its development and critically reflect on the factors impacting on its ongoing utilisation. We believe our reflections offer useful insight into issues relating more broadly to the sustainability of MUVE-based teaching and learning projects and initiatives.</span>

Beyond Hidden Bodies and Lost Pigs

2013 ◽  
pp. 50-80
Author(s):  
Joe Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Second Language ◽  
Second Language Acquisition ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Interactive Fiction ◽  
Positive Evidence ◽  
Puzzle Solving

Interactive Fiction is a text-based genre of video game which blends participatory storytelling, the exploration of virtual worlds, and logical puzzle-solving. As it is a form of electronic literature as well as a form of video game, and it is compatible with the principles of second language acquisition, it can be used for digital game-based language learning. This chapter presents a case study on the perceptions of learners of English as a foreign language on the use of Interactive Fiction to practise language skills, particularly as a means of improving reading for fluency. The games played by the learners were 9:05 and Lost Pig, and the results produced by the study provided positive evidence towards the use of Interactive Fiction as an engaging language learning tool.

scholarly journals Building Knowledge in the Virtual World – Influence of Real Life Relationships

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Loureiro ◽  
Teresa Bettencourt
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Teaching Strategy ◽  
Real Life ◽  
University Level ◽  
The University

This paper intends to present a preliminary PhD research that is being developed by the authors, with the intention to determine how to improve teaching and learning situations, at the university level, based on experiences in immersive virtual worlds. The authors have realized that, nowadays, courses don’t fulfill our students’ needs. They belong to a networked and multitasking generation, and what they get from today’s teaching strategy does not, in many situations, fulfill students’ needs and perspectives. They need to gather competences in order to become motivated citizens, communicative and knowledge builders. It is our belief that we can take advantage from the immersive virtual worlds’ resources to overcome this situation and therefore to transfer it to real life. In order to achieve this we need, at the first instance, to understand how social interactions occur in these environments (in particular at Second Life®), how they grow and how they are developed. What we present here is a preliminary sample of our intended research.

scholarly journals A Pedagogical Model for Virtual World Residents: A Case Study of the Virtual Ability Second Life Island

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marjorie A. Zielke ◽  
Thomas Roome ◽  
Alice B. Krueger
Keyword(s):  
Adult Learning ◽  
Virtual Worlds ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Physical Activities ◽  
World Community ◽  
New Residents

Many benefits are available to people with disabilities who wish to participate in a virtual world. These include self-efficacy and the ability to share in virtual world community support. Further, many disabled residents of virtual worlds can vicariously experience physical activities through their avatar such as dancing, walking, and running – actions sometimes not possible in real life. However, learning the technology in a virtual world can be daunting for many new residents. Virtual Ability Island in Second Life® offers a platform for adults with disabilities to learn the functionality necessary to enter a virtual world. This article lays out a learning model based on the andragogy theory of Malcolm Knowles, often called the father of adult learning, and complemented by other recent research on e-empowerment and virtual designs for those with disabilities. A composite construct is then created as a framework to study the development of Virtual Ability Island as a destination where new residents to Second Life® with disabilities can learn basic functionality and enjoy social and physical e-empowerment.

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