Use of virtual world environments to improve high school student oral and written proficiency in learning world language Laura Jacob

Introduction Three-dimensional virtual worlds Avatar Second Life Opensimulator (Open Sim)

Gaps in Literature Effect of virtual worlds on language learning Benefits of virtual world interaction Interactivity with language learning and virtual worlds

Theoretical Frameworks Constructivist Theory Behaviorist Theory

Second Language Instruction and Technology 1) Is increased technological sophistication correlated to increased effectiveness to achieve pedagogical objectives? 2) What technological attributes specific to the new technologies can be profitably exploited for pedagogical purposes? 3) How can new technologies be successfully integrated into the curriculum? 4) Do new technologies provide for an efficient use of human and material resources? (Salaberry, 2001)

Second Language Instruction and Technology 1) Is increased technological sophistication correlated to increased effectiveness to achieve pedagogical objectives? Language Village pilot project Koenraad, 2008 (Salaberry, 2001)

Second Language Instruction and Technology 2) What technological attributes specific to the new technologies can be profitably exploited for pedagogical purposes? Second Life and OpenSim (Salaberry, 2001)

Second Language Instruction and Technology 3) How can new technologies be successfully integrated into the curriculum? Technology driven curriculum vs. Technology enhanced curriculum (Salaberry, 2001)

Second Language Instruction and Technology 4) Do new technologies provide for an efficient use of human and material resources? Expense of Second Life and Open Sim Time analysis (Salaberry, 2001)

Considerations Computer requirements Second Life or Open Sim Time, energy and money Prebuilt locales vs. building

References Koenraad, T. (2008). How can 3D virtual worlds contribute to language education? Focus on the Language Village format. Van Een Virtuele Variant Van Het Taaldorp (ViTAAL), 2008, 1-3. Salaberry, M. (2001). The use of technology for second language learning and teaching: A retrospective. The Modern Language Journal, 85,