Virtual+Worlds+to+Improve+World+Language+Skills

Virtual Worlds to Improve World Language Skills - JJ Laura Jacob McGuffy School District and Duquesne Univesity

Introduction - multi user environments, avatar - Second Life - 18 and over, Teen Second Life - under 18, Open Sim, Reaction Grid.

Current Research - 69% conducted at University setting, 19% Secondary school, 12% Primary school, Of the past virtual world research, 12.5% has addressed virtual worlds and education - so small percentage. This has potential and this number hopefully will increase.

Are they achieving pedagogical objectives? Research indicates student enjoyment/they could help students learn - no data yet. Dickey, 2005 - combination of the text chat tool, unique names and avatars provided a sense of anonymity.

What technology is currently used? Second Life - more reliable, but expensive, used in college, students need to be 18+, look at Vassar College - gorgeous. Teen Life - under 18 - but then students in classroom on 2 platforms. Open Sim - she recommends this - both age groups together.

How can it be integrated into the curriculum? Have kids from Germany interact with our students in this virtual world (maybe prior to having the students going overseas)

Is it efficient? $195 per month vs $50 month for a full region. You will need to invest a lot of TIME from the district's stance.

Limitations: Majority of studies were based on descriptive research )-- laced detail qualitative research many studies did not use a control group more than half were limited in duration of some semester - one year.

McGuffey Virtual School District's project: used Open Sim - Microsoft paid for their host for a few years. French students building their own virtual Paris This project really pulled students into the project who were not interested in French. Spiraled staircases - took time. German students - students were interacting with students in Germany - texting. It really does not matter what the space looks like, it just matters that they are interacting. Key point - using this to accomplish your objective.

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

http://goingvirtual.wikispaces.com She invited us to participate in her world. We need to send her an email to get permission.

jacobl@mcguffey.k12.pa.us or laurajacob22@gmail.com