TEACHING ESL IN SLJean-Paul DuQuetteOsaka Tech Day 6/10

Second Life: What is it?

I. Linden Labs’ 3-D online virtual space

A. HIVE - “Highly interactive virtual environment” (Aldrich, 2009)

II. Open-ended III. User-created III. Free and

accessible

Why teach English in SL?

Pedagogical Disadvantages

Facial expressions / body language unclear

No chalkboard Turn-taking cues

Bare bones document system

No integrated grading possible

Learning curve

Compared to real lifeCompared to typical distance learning

Pedagogical Advantages:Compared to real life

Vibrant environments (content = environment)

Improved task simulations

Authentic, international interlocutors

Convenience Intentional identity

may increase confidence

Pedagogical Advantages: Compared to distance learning Sense of spatial

and social presence

3-D environment facilitates teaching of certain content

Opportunities to do and go places “after class”

And…

It’s free Authentic

international social networking

Real potential for profit

Anonymity Fun factor

A pool of (often willing) international participants

Cultures within cultures to explore

For learners For researchers

Learner feedback

“I just recognize this world is amazing – how they can make this kind of special class in (a) virtual world like this?”

Ann“I never have had classes like this in real life or, or in (a) virtual world.”

Cacy

Getting Started

Headset and a decent graphics card

http://secondlife.com

Tutorials Spend a week in-

world Visit Cypris Chat

(and maybe SecondLife English)

Comfortable yet?

Institutional constraints

Firewalls Browser download Administration-

friendly syllabus / action plan

Prepare for paranoia

The usual stop-gap: offer as extra-credit homework

Plan A: On the cheap…

So much space, so few classes.

Talk with sim owners…or don’t.

All you really need is a circle.

But you may be unable to rez objects….

Plan B: The Cypris model

Make a friend; rent a homestead

Building and land admin privileges

Limited amount of prims and avatars at one time

The damage

Set Up Fee: USD $ 375.00*

Monthly Maintenance:USD $ 125.00*

Maximum Prims: 3,750

Plan C: Fantasy Island

University plan Mainland or

island? Complete control

and (relative) security

Don’t go there…

The damage

Set Up Fee: USD $ 1,000.00*

Monthly Maintenance:USD $ 295.00*

Maximum Prims: 15,000

Plan D: ‘Home schooling’

Become a Premium member and use your ‘free’ house

Suitable for small groups

You have some admin rights

Might get a little laggy.

The damage

Monthly USD 9.95 

Quarterly USD 22.50

Annual USD 72.00  

Brass tacks: Ways to communicate

Local text Local Voice Text IM Voice IM Group text/voice

IM Notecards

A note on notecards

Primitive but effective handouts

Inventory > new notecard

Immediately name it!

Then cut and paste from Word.

Make a group

Notices Helps keep track

of when learners come online

Allows Group IM Chatting

A typical class at Cypris…

I. 10-20 students II. Two hours III. Warm-up

discussion IV. Introduction of

theme or language point

V. Small group work VI. Presentation of

small group opinions to the class

VII. Field trip

Field trips

Reading circles

Seasonal events projects

Streaming media events

Learner-driven events

Collaborative media outside SL

My two cents

Theorists and empty virtual campuses currently outnumber experienced SL instructors

TEFL is the most obvious educational application of SL

Get your hands dirty with learners already in SL before bringing your own in.

What I’d really actually recommend before starting…

Cypris Society walkthrough 7/24/10

Observe, volunteer, apprentice.

Then decide what you want to do with SL

See you in SL.