Title: Language learning resources and developments in the Second Life metaverse

Authors: Santiago Dominguez-Noriega, J. Enrique Agudo, Paula Ferreira, Mercedes Rico

Addresses: Computer Systems and Telematics Engineering Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Santa Teresa de Jornet, 38 06800 – Merida, Spain. ' Computer Systems and Telematics Engineering Department, University of Extremadura, Avda. Santa Teresa de Jornet, 38 06800 – Merida, Spain. ' Department of English Philology, University of Extremadura, Avda. Santa Teresa de Jornet, 38 06800 – Merida, Spain. ' Department of English Philology, University of Extremadura, Avda. Santa Teresa de Jornet, 38 06800 – Merida, Spain

Abstract: Under the auspices of the 3D virtual platform Second Life, our proposal, centred on the learner capacity to act within online environments, consists of applying innovative ideas for second language acquisition and examines the potential of various pedagogical aspects in the design of tandem English/Spanish language courses for specific professional sectors. To reach this goal, we have created new scenarios and developed applications (e.g., role-play activities in personalised settings, automated avatars/bots, game-based tests adapted to the virtual world, the integration of the Moodle platform in a virtual area, etc.), aimed at exploring these possibilities for language training.

Keywords: tandem learning; Second Life; virtual worlds; virtual communities; web based communities; online communities; internet; world wide web; learning resources; metaverse; virtual platforms; learner capacity; online environments; innovative ideas; innovation; second languages; language acquisition; pedagogical aspects; pedagogy; course design; English language; Spanish language; language courses; professions; scenario creation; software applications; role-play; personalised settings; bots; web robots; WWW robots; Moodle; language training; automated avatars; game-based tests; University of Extremadura; Spain; universities; higher education; 3D; three dimensions; three dimensional; technology enhanced learning.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTEL.2011.042101

International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 2011 Vol.3 No.5, pp.496 - 509

Received: 15 Sep 2010
Accepted: 10 May 2011
Published online: 26 Feb 2015 *

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