Technology-enhanced language learning: A case study of a global classroom in Second Life
No Thumbnail Available
Authors
Oh, Kevin
Author (Corporation)
Publication date
01/2014
Typ of student thesis
Course of study
Collections
Type
01A - Journal article
Editors
Editor (Corporation)
Supervisor
Parent work
International Journal on Advances in Life Sciences
Special issue
DOI of the original publication
Series
Series number
Volume
6
Issue / Number
3/4
Pages / Duration
240-251
Patent number
Publisher / Publishing institution
Place of publication / Event location
Edition
Version
Programming language
Assignee
Practice partner / Client
Abstract
This study reports on a case study about conversation practice in Second Life, a three-dimensional (3D) virtual environment, between 12 English language learners and 18 special education teachers. The purpose of the study was to examine participants' perceptions of the usability of virtual worlds as a language learning platform and to identify the unique skills required for successful teaching in a 3D environment. Specifically, the anxiety-reducing features of the virtual, anonymous environment in which oral language skills can be practiced through avatars were investigated. Extensive challenges inherent to the lesson design and audio quality were identified in this study. Guidelines on how to address these challenges as well as ideas for alternative, more effective learning designs, such as the discussion group format, are outlined. The study resulted in nine suggestions for virtual conversation practice in 3D environments. These findings will be relevant to other language instructors who plan to use Second Life or a similar virtual world for oral fluency enhancement in collaborative language practice.
Keywords
Second Life, virtual worlds, foreign language acquisition, oral fluency, collaboration, conversation partners, anxiety, oral production, teacher education
Subject (DDC)
370 - Erziehung, Schul- und Bildungswesen
Event
Exhibition start date
Exhibition end date
Conference start date
Conference end date
Date of the last check
ISBN
ISSN
Language
English
Created during FHNW affiliation
No
Strategic action fields FHNW
Publication status
Published
Review
Peer review of the complete publication
Open access category
License
Citation
OH, Kevin und Natalie NUSSLI, 2014. Technology-enhanced language learning: A case study of a global classroom in Second Life. International Journal on Advances in Life Sciences. Januar 2014. Bd. 6, Nr. 3/4, S. 240–251. Verfügbar unter: http://hdl.handle.net/11654/23790