Report about my reading

Hello group:

I summarized my reading until now as follows:

Features of Second Life (SL)
・Multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs) without story line setting.
・Avatars, which are SL user’s 3D graphic representations, communicate through text messages and voice over internet protocol (VoIP).
・Video recording functions.

Merits for Language Teaching
・MUVEs offers opportunities for synchronous, authentic interaction with native speakers, and enhance learners’ cross-cultural understanding.
・Avatars provide for anonymity, which reduces anxiety and enhance learners’ output and risk-taking.
・VoIP allows real-time verbal communication, and teaching oral/aural skills at a distance.
・Recording functions allow to review learners’ performance.

Issues for Language Teaching
・Difficulty in identifying appropriate value-added educational content and activities for SL which is not designed for optimal teaching.
・Avatars do not provide real natural non-verbal communication.
・A need for enough hardware power or bandwidth to utilize SL, and adequate experience with using SL.
・Behavioral issues such as assault and harassment because of the anonymity.


References

Blasing, M. (2010). Second language in Second Life: Exploring interaction,
identity and pedagogical practice in a virtual world. SEEJ, 54(1), 96-117.

Eschenbrenner, B., Nah, F., & Siau, K. (2008). 3-D virtual worlds in education:
Applications, benefits, issues, and opportunities. Journal of Database Management, 19(4), 91-110.

Deutschmann, M., Panichi, L., & Molka-danielsen, J. (2009). Designing oral participation in Second Life – A comparative study of two language proficiency courses. ReCALL, 21(2), 206-226.

Peterson, M. (2010). Learner participation patterns and strategy use in Second Life: An exploratory case study. ReCALL, 22(3), 273-292.

Sullivan, F. (2009). Risk and responsibility: A self-study of teaching with Second
Life. Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 20(3), 337-357.

Wang,C., Song, H., Xia, F., & Yan, Q. (2009). Integrating Second Life into an EFL
Program; Students’ perspectives. Journal of Educational Technology
Development and Exchange, 2(1), 1-6.


From now on, I will search additional reading materials for our group activity.

Kimiko