This article focuses on the use of a 3D multi-user virtual environment in language teaching and presents the results of four-year research at the Palacky University Olomouc Faculty of Education (Czech Republic). Language teaching was conducted in an experimental form in the 3D virtual worlds of Second Life and Kitely (experimental group) and, in parallel to this, there was also traditional teaching conducted on identical topics in the form of lectures using a textbook (control group). The didactic test, which was presented to both of the groups in an identical form before the start of teaching and after its implementation, verified the effect of teaching in the experimental group by comparing the achieved results of both groups. Out of the three components of mother tongue teaching (grammar, literature, style and communication education) students achieved partial better results (in the case of points focused on the visualization of the subject matter, these were statistically significant) in literature. Students from the control group performed better in grammar and style and communication education. Based on the achieved results, we discuss the selected psychological implications of these results and can state the most appropriate use of MUVE in teaching those topics that have the possibility of role playing, dramatization and group cooperation.

The text focuses on the issue of 3D multi-user virtual environments and their use in education. In the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic, there was a worldwide need for a rapid transition in education at all levels of schooling and in lifelong learning to the online space. As this was a rapid organisational change, schools and lifelong learning institutions often found themselves in situations where tools not previously tested in the school were used, or online tools were used that did not lead to the desired effect. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate which types of online tools are most appropriate for education, depending on the age of the learners and the learning topic. This text analyses the educational potential of 3D multi-user virtual environments, which hold significant benefits for the application of basic didactic principles that bring significant advantages in terms of learning outcomes, in particular the principle of illustration, learning from simulated virtual experiences as well as direct contact with the learning community. The text concludes by discussing current perspectives on the effectiveness of these environments in the educational process.