The Use of Network-Based Virtual Worlds in Second Language Education

Abstract

This chapter reviews 28 learner-based studies on the use of network-based social virtual worlds in second language learning published during the period 2007-2017. The purpose of this review is to establish how these environments have been implemented and to identify the target languages, methods used, research areas, and important findings. Analysis demonstrates that research is characterized by a preponderance of small-scale studies conducted in higher education settings. The target languages most frequently investigated were English, Spanish, and Chinese. In terms of the methodologies adopted, analysis reveals the majority of studies were qualitative in nature. It was found that the investigation of learner target language production, interaction, and affective factors represent the primary focus of research. Although positive findings relating to the above areas have been reported, the analysis draws attention to gaps in the current research base. The researchers provide suggestions for future research.

Restorying a “Newbie” Teacher’s 3D Virtual Teaching Trajectory, Resilience, and Professional Development Through Action Research: A Narrative Case Study

“…As ESP Online progressed, Sabrina started to reap the fruits of her efforts and commitment put into her SL training and lesson preparations: “Second session done with our new cohort—it feels so great to have this under our belts—to finally be getting down to the task‐based syllabus and getting a taste of what teaching in SL is actually all about” (blog post, 11/11/2016). This reinforced her teaching belief in incorporating task‐based design in SL and the potential this dynamic duo: “task‐based design” in “Second Life (SL)” could transform a traditional ESP class (González‐Lloret & Ortega, ; Jauregi et al, ; Peterson et al, ). Witnessing the positive effects of this synergy on the levels of task engagement and oral outputs demonstrated by the students further validated her implementation of this innovative approach through AR (Banegas et al, ; Sowa, ).…”

“…This noticeable learning evidence didn't happen in a vacuum. Unique SL features are linked to those positive claims as reported in prior studies, such as an open space for playing creativity in learning (Dawley & Dede, 2014;Kluge & Riley, 2008), real-time communication (Deutschmann et al, 2009;Deutschmann & Panichi, 2013;Jauregi et al, 2011;Wehner et al, 2011), avatar-enhanced tele/copresence in community building (Sadler, 2012), and immersive simulation in 3D form (Peterson, 2016;Peterson et al, 2019). In Sabrina's case, the multimodal tools (Chen, 2016a(Chen, , 2018 realised in text chat "increased writing output" and speaking via avatar "gave students anonymity and confidence to speak in English more so than in a face-to-face language class" (Sabrina, interview, 17/12/2016).…”

“…Research on such a synergy of language education and 3D virtual learning has suggested learners' heightened motivation and engagement (Peterson, 2010(Peterson, , 2012(Peterson, , 2016Wehner et al, 2011), improved communication skills (Chen, 2016b(Chen, , 2018Deutschmann, Panichi, & Molka-Danielsen, 2009), boosted confidence level (Chen, 2016a;Lan, Fang, Legault, & Li, 2015), raised cross-cultural awareness (Canto, de Graaff, & Jauregi, 2014;Jauregi, Canto, de Graaff, Koenraad, & Moonen, 2011), and developed avatar identity (Deutschmann & Panichi, 2013;Liang, 2012). Despite the positive claims, language learners, as opposed to teachers, are predominantly the target population for research (Peterson, Wang, & Mirzaei, 2019). The role of online language teachers in 3D MUVEs, however, is still less charted territory that deserves more empirical studies to place this agenda on the research map (Compton, 2009;Kozlova & Priven, 2015).…”

Virtual Worlds and Second Language Acquisition

“…In the following sections we will primarily highlight the findings from research carried out after 2010. For earlier research see also Sadler (2017) and Peterson et al, (2019).…”

“…Peterson, M., Wang, Q., & Mirzaei, M. S. (2019). The use of network-based virtual worlds in second language education: a research review.…”