Tasks for Easily Modifiable Virtual Environments.

Kyoto University swier.stanley.26z@st.kyoto-u.ac.jp Recent studies of learner interaction in virtual worlds have tended to select basic tasks involving open-ended communication. There is evidence that such tasks are supportive of language acquisition, however it may also be beneficial to consider more complex tasks. Research in task-based learning has identified features such as non-linguistic goals that are seen as promoting rich learner interaction. In this preliminary work, we report on the development of goal-orientated tasks for the virtual environment Minecraft, offering a qualitative examination of learner interaction using three such tasks. Results show the potential for easily modifiable platforms such as Minecraft to support the implementation of goal-orientated tasks for virtual environments.

[1]  N. S. Prabhu,et al.  Second Language Pedagogy , 1987 .

[2]  Mats Deutschmann,et al.  Talking into empty space? Signalling involvement in a virtual language classroom in Second Life , 2009 .

[3]  Hussain Hafiz Sajjad,et al.  Task Based Language Learning and Teaching , 2015 .

[4]  M. Bunge.  Mind and Society , 2010 .

[5]  Mark Peterson,et al.  Learner participation patterns and strategy use in Second Life: an exploratory case study , 2010, ReCALL.

[6]  Frederik Cornillie,et al.  Between learning and playing? Exploring learners’ perceptions of corrective feedback in an immersive game for English pragmatics* , 2012, ReCALL.

[7]  Regina Hampel,et al.  Rethinking task design for the digital age: A framework for language teaching and learning in a synchronous online environment , 2006, ReCALL.

[8]  Bryan Smith.  Computer–Mediated Negotiated Interaction: An Expanded Model , 2003 .

[9]  Catherine Schifter,et al.  Minecraft as a teaching tool: One case study , 2013 .

[10]  Mark Peterson.  Computer Games and Language Learning , 2013 .

[11]  Mei-Ya Liang,et al.  Foreign ludicity in online role-playing games , 2012 .

[12]  Richard E. Ferdig,et al.  Handbook of Research on Effective Electronic Gaming in Education , 2009 .

[13]  Steve Downey,et al.  The effects of Second Life on the motivation of undergraduate students learning a foreign language , 2011 .

[14]  Michael H. Long.  The Role of the Linguistic Environment in Second Language Acquisition , 1996 .

[15]  James Milton,et al.  Foreign language vocabulary development through activities in an online 3D environment , 2012 .

[16]  Mark Peterson,et al.  Learner interaction management in an avatar and chat-based virtual world , 2006 .

[17]  Steven Furnell,et al.  Massively Multi-Player Online Role Playing Games: What’s the Risk? , 2010 .

[18]  Dan Bloom,et al.  Minecraft in the Classroom: Ideas, inspiration, and student projects for teachers , 2014 .

[19]  Amparo García-Carbonell,et al.  Simulation/Gaming and the Acquisition of Communicative Competence in Another Language , 2001 .

[20]  Ton Koenraad,et al.  Verbal interaction in Second Life: towards a pedagogic framework for task design , 2011 .

[21]  Spanish Interlanguage.  COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION: A WINDOW ON L2 SPANISH INTERLANGUAGE , 2016 .

[22]  Sean C. Duncan.  Minecraft, beyond construction and survival , 2011 .

[23]  Mark Peterson,et al.  LEARNING INTERACTION IN AN AVATAR-BASED VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT: A PRELIMINARY STUDY , 2005 .

[24]  Yong Zhao,et al.  MMORPGS and Foreign Language Education , 2009 .

[25]  J. Offer.  Mind and Society , 1988, Vygotsky and the Social Formation of Mind.

[26]  Etsuko Toyoda,et al.  Categorization of Text Chat Communication between Learners and Native Speakers of Japanese. , 2002 .

[27]  William C. Ritchie,et al.  Handbook of Second Language Acquisition , 1998 .

[28]  Mark Peterson,et al.  EFL learner collaborative interaction in Second Life , 2012, ReCALL.

[29]  Hsien-Chin Liou,et al.  The roles of Second Life in a college computer-assisted language learning (CALL) course in Taiwan, ROC , 2012 .

[30]  Judith Molka-Danielsen,et al.  Designing oral participation in Second Life – a comparative study of two language proficiency courses , 2009, ReCALL.

[31]  Rebecca W. Black,et al.  Second Language Use, Socialization, and Learning in Internet Interest Communities and Online Gaming , 2009 .

[32]  M. Warschauer.  Computer-Mediated Collaborative Learning: Theory and Practice. , 1997 .

[33]  Merrill Swain,et al.  Researching Pedagogic Tasks: Second Language Learning, Teaching, and Testing , 2013 .

[34]  Regine Hampel.  Task design for a virtual learning environment in a distant language course , 2010 .