Video Game-Based L2 Learning

Video/digital games have grown into sophisticated, realistic, and engaging problem-solving virtual worlds that have their own literacy practices, affinity spaces, and online virtual communities. As a result, various studies have examined theirs to promote L2 learning and literacy. The findings of these studies suggest that digital games can promote multilingual communication, L2 vocabulary development, and situated L2 use. However, promising these findings, to-date little is known about the specific dynamics of gameplay that can facilitate L2 learning. To address this gap in the literature, this chapter will draw on interdisciplinary research on digital gaming from literacy studies, games' studies, and narratology to account for the L2 learning potentials of digital games. To explain their L2 learning potentials, the chapter will conceptualize digital games as dynamic texts, affinity spaces, and semiotic ecologies, and discuss the implications of each conceptualization for game-based L2 learning and teaching.

Exploring the Effectiveness of Online Synchronous Learning Management Systems

In line with calls for a more comprehensive understanding of the potentials of virtual environments for language learning/teaching, the chapter reports a study on the application of a synchronous learning management system (SLMS). The development of academic writing knowledge of a group of MA students attending an online academic writing course in a state university in Tehran was compared with that of a similar group in a face-to-face course in the same university. The analysis of participants' classroom discussions and their writing assignments indicated that although the writing knowledge of both groups improved by the end of the course, the nature of changes differed from the online group to the face-to-face one. It is suggested that while SLMSs have opened up new horizons for the instruction/practice of language skills, their uses are largely context- and user-specific. The finding of this study feeds into research on SLMS-based foreign language instruction.

The Effects of Second Life on the Motivation of EFL Student Teachers

This study aimed at investigating the effects of using a virtual world, Second Life (SL), on the motivation of Turkish EFL student teachers. First, a 10-week real-life task syllabus was designed and conducted in SL. Focus-group interviews were utilized to enhance the quality of the tasks. Then, the effects of SL on motivation were tracked via qualitative research tools, namely semi-structured interviews, weekly evaluation forms, and observations. The findings showed that SL was effective in increasing motivation of the participating student teachers. The characteristics of the virtual world that were reported to have an effect on motivation were as follows: natural environment, realistic places, anxiety-free environment, excitement, and visual support. This chapter provides possibilities for those who are interested in employing virtual world technologies in foreign/second language teaching and learning and finally describes an investigation into the role of the virtual world in relation to affordances such technologies present across the globe.

An Analysis of Negotiation of Meaning Functions of Advanced EFL Learners in Second Life

As the developments occurred in terms of technology, new tools and platforms started to be used in classroom settings. However, there is a need for discourse analysis of these tools and environments in order to better understand the flow of communication. This chapter aimed to determine discourse patterns in terms of negotiation of meaning functions observed in a course carried out in a 3D environment, Second Life. At the end of the study, it was found that the most frequently used negotiation of meaning functions were confirmation, elaboration request and clarification request, respectively; the least frequently used negotiation of meaning functions were reply vocabulary, reply comprehension, and vocabulary check. It could be claimed that the findings of this study were in parallel with the findings of the previous studies in the literature. This study might be helpful for researchers, educators, and students in order to better understand the contexts created in 3D virtual worlds.

Evaluating Mobile Instant Messaging for L2 Development

This chapter presents a longitudinal investigation of the use of mobile instant messaging (MIM) to develop second language skills in the foreign language classroom. A three-year investigation is presented where the author attempted to analyze the potential of the application to provide language opportunities and foster interaction in the target language. WhatsApp application is used as a virtual platform where its multimodal characteristics are exploited in order to expand students' in-class time. Thus, one text-based and two voice-based WhatsApp groups are analyzed trough an experimental design with control and experimental groups. Statistical analysis as well as a systematic tracking of the messages sent throughout the interaction were implemented to observe any potential language benefit in the participants. Results indicated that students experienced an improvement in terms of accuracy as well as different speaking skills; nevertheless, task design was found to be fundamental to encourage participation and interaction.

An Exploration of Using Audio Recorded Speaking Tasks With VoiceThread for L2 Oral Proficiency Development

The chapter explores how the use of voice recordings with VoiceThread facilitates and enhances the development of language learners' oral proficiency. Data from voice recordings, post-surveys, reflective essays, and final interviews were collected and analyzed. The findings showed that students engaged in sharing and exchanging L2 knowledge with their peers in a virtual multimodal environment. Asynchronous discussions allowed them more time for critical reflection on the content. Most students became more confident in their speaking. In addition, linguistic feedback provided by the instructor helped students improve language accuracy. The study suggests that allocating sufficient time to reflect on the content, making personal commitment to online contributions, and increasing instructor intervention to facilitate student participation in online interaction are essential to maximize the potential of VoiceThread to build learners' oral proficiency.

The Effect of Second Life as a Virtual Language Learning Environment on Speaking Anxiety

There is a lack of research on the effects of Second Life (SL) as a virtual language-learning environment on speaking anxiety among English as a foreign language (EFL) learners, whereas related literature is insufficient in terms of providing insight about Turkish EFL context. Therefore, this experimental study aims to examine the effects of the use of SL on speaking anxiety. In the chapter, a background questionnaire and an anxiety scale were administered to 44 EFL learners assigned to the control and experimental groups before and after speaking activities performed in traditional and SL settings. Findings suggest that there is no significant correlation between speaking activities that take place in traditional settings and SL environment concerning the levels of speaking anxiety. It is recommended that the extent to use SL should be moderated during speaking practice because SL does not offer a flawless solution to speaking anxiety.

The Use of Network-Based Virtual Worlds in Second Language Education

This chapter reviews 28 learner-based studies on the use of network-based social virtual worlds in second language learning published during the period 2007-2017. The purpose of this review is to establish how these environments have been implemented and to identify the target languages, methods used, research areas, and important findings. Analysis demonstrates that research is characterized by a preponderance of small-scale studies conducted in higher education settings. The target languages most frequently investigated were English, Spanish, and Chinese. In terms of the methodologies adopted, analysis reveals the majority of studies were qualitative in nature. It was found that the investigation of learner target language production, interaction, and affective factors represent the primary focus of research. Although positive findings relating to the above areas have been reported, the analysis draws attention to gaps in the current research base. The researchers provide suggestions for future research.

A Framework for Engaging Language Learners in the Online Constructivist Classrooms

The traditional Westernized constructivist approach to online teaching will need modifications due to the proliferation of multicultural online classrooms. Instructional designers and teachers must uncover their own unconscious biases to foster a culturally sensitive learning environment. To discover discrepancies, the teacher must learn about and understand diverse cultures. With this knowledge, the teacher will be able to adapt their teaching skills to different populations. The employment of culturally sensitive techniques in the online constructivist model will promote a sense of belonging for all students.

Factors Affecting Learner Collaboration in 3D Virtual Worlds

This chapter explores factors affecting learner collaboration by observing the performance of eight English as a foreign language (EFL) learners collaborating on tasks in a 3D virtual world (3D VW) over a period of six weeks. Students used an audio channel to interact with their peers and a text-based channel to make notes on a collaboration board. Their performance was recorded using Camtasia Relay, a screen-capture software, and then transcribed. Data analysis revealed that students' collaboration skills improved over time. The factors that facilitated collaboration included (1) learners and instructors' familiarity with 3D VWs, (2) learners' familiarity with the format of the learning activity, (3) learners' experience with the spontaneous use of the second language (L2), and (4) instructors' use of pedagogical techniques that facilitated collaboration. These results suggest that for students to benefit from collaborative learning, both learners and instructors need to be prepared for this type of instruction.