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Language Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds. by Graham Davies http://grahamdavies.wikispaces.com. Two links for further info. The ICT4LT website Module 1.5, Section 14.2.1 http://www.ict4lt.org EUROCALL / CALICO Virtual Worlds SIG http://virtualworldssig.ning.com. Two videos.
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Language Teaching and Learning in Virtual Worlds by Graham Davies http://grahamdavies.wikispaces.com SOAS
Two links for further info The ICT4LT websiteModule 1.5, Section 14.2.1http://www.ict4lt.org EUROCALL / CALICOVirtual Worlds SIGhttp://virtualworldssig.ning.com SOAS
Two videos Silver & Goldie Intro to Second Life Language learning in Second Lifeby Karelia Kondor http://kareliakondor.blip.tv SOAS
Three Second Life projects AVALONhttp://avalon-project.ning.com NIFLARhttp://niflar.ning.com SLExperimentshttp://slexperiments.pbworks.com SOAS
Pros of Second Life • 3D visual context, ownership of space • Offers wide variety of situations and settings • Good social platform • You can hear and talk to native speakers • Virtual classroom emulates f2f situation • Task-based, project-based learning • Good for pair work and group work • Tandem learning • Extra-curricular activities: clubs, pubs, chat groups • It’s fun! SOAS
Cons of Second Life • Requires hi-spec hardware • Difficult to use: steep learning curve • No eye contact, no lip-synch • Gestures and body language are not authentic • Poor at presenting text • Lack of established social norms • Lesson preparation takes too long • Unreliable • Not taken seriously – it’s just a game • Institutional resistance SOAS
Some examples • Classrooms: Virtlantis • Teaching sims: English City • Sims of real places • Treasure hunts and quests • Task-based learning • Holodecks • Preparation and support for year abroad SOAS