Enhancing the learning of Chinese with Second Life

This article reports on a study that incorporates SL into the curriculum of university Introductory Chinese course in Fall 2009, including its implementation and evaluation. Using the existing resources of the SL Chinese School created by Michigan State University, 7 learning tasks were designed to supplement teaching throughout the semester. Along with the face-to-face instruction in class, students were required to study by completing the tasks alone, or with their peers or the teaching assistant in the SL Chinese School outside of the classroom. In performing the tasks, students practiced what was being learned in the classroom, and explored cultural aspects relating to the language. We will discuss both the teaching experience of including SL in the curriculum from the instructor"s perspective, and the feedback from students on the learning of Chinese within the virtual world. Recommendations are provided for researchers for future directions as well as for practitioners for effective use of SL in the Chinese classroom.