Second Life: Learning Language Virtually

Have you ever thought that you will be able to speak in a virtual community? It is possible by creating an account in Second Life. The avatar can be changed according to the choice. Moreover, travelling to different places is possible. You can walk alone in the streets of Paris or walk in group beside a beach or attend classes in a classroom. All of these are possible in Second Life. Student can meet their teacher and other students. They can learn any subject, even learn speaking English.

The following video shows what Second Life can offer for Second Life-

Theoretical considerations:

Taking the advantage of gamification and collaborative learning, Second Life motivates the learners to learn and use English contextually. For example, students can meet an unknown person and start exchanging greetings.

Matters to Consider:

1. Affordances should be there for using Second Life. It requires using computer and technological knowledge of the student. In Bangladesh, especially in the villages, many of the students will not be able to use it for affordance issue.

2. It requires training to work and operate in Second Life.

3. It is very time consuming to work here. Therefore, there is a danger that it may distract students in the classroom. Teacher control is needed in order to use Second Life effectively in the classroom.

4. If the teacher wants a private place to teach students, he or she needs to buy places which involves spending money.

Advantages:

1. The graphics and different places can be used to teach in a motivating way. Students, especially visual students will find the colourful ambience attractive.

2. Notecards can be used to give students idea and instruction. Students can also share their notecards with other members of Second Life.

3. Learners from different countries can meet and talk. Therefore, Second Life gives a chance of authentic communication.

Using in Bangladesh:

In Bangladesh, the teachers can encourage the students to play in Second Life by making a group and speaking in English. However, playing Second Life in the classroom might distract students and a lot of time might be wasted. Therefore, students can use Second Life in their personal life, to learn on their own, but it might not be a good idea to use it in the classroom.  

Disclaimer:

The logo is copyright to https://www.secondlife.com/ and the video is created by Learning Revolution.