Journal | EL.LE
Journal issue | 5 | 3 | 2016
Research Article | The Use 3D Virtual Worlds in Language Learning
The Use 3D Virtual Worlds in Language Learning
Abstract
Can the 3D virtual worlds constitute a useful resource for language teaching still today? Do ‘immersivity’ and ‘embodiment’ really favour experiential language learning in a constructivist perspective? The aim of this paper is to look for an answer to these and other questions concerning the role of technology in language learning, taking into account some recent research in the field of virtual world education relating to an international project. The strengths and weaknesses of 3D technology emerge especially from the results of some surveys aimed at identifying what university students think of Second Life language courses: on the one hand, motivation, creativity and active involvement of the learner; on the other, the risk of distraction and dependence as well as some technical difficulties and usability problems.
Submitted: June 10, 2016 | Accepted: Nov. 18, 2016 | Published Nov. 1, 2016 | Language: it
Keywords 3D Virtual Worlds • Technology Enhanced Language Learning
Copyright © 2016 Daria Coppola. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.14277/2280-6792/ELLE-5-3-1
