1. Using Virtual Worlds to Improve Student Proficiency in
World Language
Laura Jacob

2. Introduction
Instructional Technology Coach of McGuffey School District, PA, USA
EdD Instructional Technology student of Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
Research and practical experience
@laurajacob
Laura Jacob
laurajacob22

3. Questions for participants
What level do you educate?
A. Pre-K
B. Public K-12
C. Private K-12
D. Higher Ed
E. Retired

4. 2. Are you a world language educator?
A. Yes
B. No

5. 3. What information do you expect from this session?
Background information
Current Research
Current Usage
Ideas for implementation
All of the above
None

6. 4. Do you have experience with virtual worlds privately or in an educational setting?
Yes No

7. 5. What are you most familiar with:
Second Life
Open Sim
Reaction Grid
Activ Worlds
Adobe Atmosphere

8. 6. What mode of teaching do you (or your colleagues) spend the most time with:
Face to face
Blended
Distance

9. Session Objectives
Introduction on 3-D virtual worlds Current research Virtual worlds + world languages Small group simulation/ discussion
Lesson plan development/ connections
Discussion
Questions

10. Introduction

11. What does the current research state?
69% conducted at University setting
19% Secondary schools
12% Primary schools
Of the past virtual world research, 12.5% has addressed virtual worlds and education

12. What does the current research state?
Overall research indicates student enjoyment of virtual worlds (Hew, K. & Cheung, W. 2010).
Overall research states that virtual worlds could help students learn (Hew, K. & Cheung, W. 2010).
Dickey, 2005: The combination of the text chat tool, unique names and avatars provided a sense of anonymity.
Bailey & Moar, 2001: Avatars appear to be a very successful means to facilitate interaction among primary school children.

13. What does the current research state?
Majority of studies were based on descriptive research.
Lacked detailed qualitative research design
Many of the studies did not utilize a control group.
More than half (53%) were limited in duration of one semester-one year. (novelty effect)

14. Virtual Worlds and the World Language Classroom: What are the possibilities?

15. VW+WL= VW2L Environment Possibilities
Safe Environment
Immersive
Promote higher-order thinking
Avatar as positive barrier
Time

16. 5 Group Simulation and Discussion

17. Implementation of VW2L: Avatars and the Senses
Face-to-Face
Virtual World
Wimba or Asynchronous
Sight
Sound
Taste
Touch
Smell
Intuition
Temperature
Pain
Vestibular
Kinesthetic

18. Implementation of VW2L:

19. Implementation of VW2L:
S: Support others in the world when they need it
T: Take care with your talk and use appropriate words
A: Always ensure that you never reveal your personal details
R: Respect others and their property and always be kind and considerate
MacIT.(2010). Virtual Worlds Project. Slideshare.net/movashare/macict-virtual-worlds-project

20. Implementation of VW2L: Rubrics
Building Objects
Conversation
Written Activities
Reflections

21. Practical Applications: General
Immersive environment
Famous monuments
Cultural art tours
Spatial awareness
Cultural Rooms
Cinema
Folklore and proverbs
Currency
Using public transportation
Holiday celebrations

22. Practical Applications: French
Le Petit Prince
Ordering at a Café
Ordering a plane ticket
Tour of Paris

23. Practical Applications: Spanish
Ordering at a restaurant
Tour of Latin America
Shopping in a market
Mesoamerican Ballgame

24. Practical Applications: German
Faust
Oktoberfest Celebration
Hofbräuhaus
Karneval
Skiing in the Alps
German Rail- ICE

25. Practical Applications: English
Driving in the United States
US Government System
US History

26. Considerations Technology-enhanced curriculum Expense Time
Computer requirements
Prebuilt locales vs. building

27. What language do you (or your colleagues) teach:
French
Spanish
German
English
Mandarin
Other

28. Lesson Plan Development and Connections
Create a workable lesson plan and find someone to connect with
Share ideas in large group

29. 1. From my perspective, the possible benefits are worth trying virtual worlds with world language students.
Yes No

30. 2. I have made connections with another person today.
Yes No

31. 3. I intend to try virtual worlds with world language students for the 2010-2011 school year.
Yes No

32. Visit booth 1626 for more information
Questions and Thank You!
Visit booth 1626 for more information

33. References
Bailey, F. & Moar, M. (2001). The Vertex Project: children creating and populating 3D virtual worlds. International Journal of Art and Design Education, 20, 1,
Barriers to student learning in second life.(2009). Library Technology Reports, 45(2), 29.
Brenda Eschenbrenner, Fiona Fui-Hoon Nah, Keng Siau. (2008). 3-D Virtual Worlds in Education: Applications, Benefits, Issues, and Opportunities. Journal of Database Management, 19(4), Retrieved May 15, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database.
Dede, Chris (1995). The Evolution of Constructivist Learning Environments: Immersion in Distributed, Virtual Worlds. Educational Technology, Saddle Brook, NJ, 1-12.
Dickey, M. D. (2005). Three-dimensional virtual worlds and distance learning: two case studies of Active Worlds as a medium for distance learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 36, 3,
Hew, K. & Cheung, W. (2010). Use of three-dimensional (3-D) immersive virtual worlds in K-12 and higher education settings: A review of the research. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41, 1,
Junglas, Iris A., Johnson, Norman A., Steel, Douglas J., Abraham, D. Chon, Loughlin, Paul Mac (2007). Identity Formation, Learning Styles and Trust in Virtual Worlds. ACM SIGMIS Database, 38(4),
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.
MacIT.(2010). Virtual Worlds Project. Slideshare.net/movashare/macict-virtual-worlds-project
Robinson, Ken. (2009). The Element, Penguin Group, New York.
Salaberry, M. (2001). The use of technology for second language learning and teaching: A retrospective. The Modern Language Journal, 85,
Siau, K., Fui-Hoon, F., & Eschenbrenner, B. (2008). 3-D virtual worlds in education: Applications, benefits, issues, and opportunities. Journal of Database Management, 19(4), 91. Twining, P. (2009). Exploring the educational potential of virtual worlds--some reflections from the SPP. British Journal of Educational Technology, 40(3), 496.