Second Life as a Virtual Playground for Language Education: A Practical Guide for Teaching and Research

This book provides language teachers and teachers in training with an opportunity to explore 3D virtual worlds and their benefits for effective language teaching. It offers practical advice and insights based on the authors decade of experience in Second Life (SL) teaching and research, divided into three parts. Part I covers foundational topics, Part II showcases lesson plans, and Part III includes research and resources. The book is accessible and suitable for beginners and experienced researchers alike.

Format: Hardback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book presents a remarkable opportunity for language teachers and educators in training to explore the realm of 3D virtual worlds and witness the profound benefits they offer in effective language teaching. Drawing upon a decade of extensive experience in teaching and conducting research within Second Life (SL), Chen expertly demystifies the intricacies of SL teaching and research, guiding readers step by step through this captivating journey. Written in a clear, accessible, and personalized style, the book is thoughtfully divided into three compelling parts.

Part I establishes a solid foundation by delving into the realm of SL research, task-based language teaching (TBLT), and acquiring essential skills for successful SL teaching. Part II showcases the author's SL teaching blog, where readers are treated to an abundance of task-based, SL-enabled lessons, participant observations, critical reflections, and invaluable lessons learned from each SL session. Part III concludes with a treasure trove of highlights from the author's SL research, along with practical resources and tips designed to enhance readers' learning experiences in SL.

Throughout each chapter, readers are provided with a Checkpoint section to assess their understanding of the chapter's content, followed by a Your Task section that encourages active learning through practical engagement in SL. Teachers and curriculum designers will find immense value in the well-detailed and thoughtfully guided lesson planning offered, making it an invaluable resource for initiating their first SL class. Graduate students and novice researchers alike will greatly benefit from the systematic recording of data collection, which serves as a valuable guide for their SL research endeavors.

In summary, this extraordinary book offers language teachers and educators a profound exploration into the world of 3D virtual worlds, providing them with valuable insights, practical strategies, and inspiring examples to enhance their language teaching practices. Whether you are a seasoned educator or embarking on a new research journey, this book is a must-read that will undoubtedly enrich your understanding and effectiveness in the field.

Weight: 725g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367716172