Contextual EFL Learning in a 3D Virtual Environment.

Yu-Ju Lan, National Taiwan Normal University The purposes of the current study are to develop virtually immersive EFL learning contexts for EFL learners in Taiwan to preand review English materials beyond the regular English class schedule. A 2-iteration action research lasting for one semester was conducted to evaluate the effects of virtual contexts on learners’ EFL learning. 132 elementary school students participated in this study. Both qualitative and quantitative data, including observation and English learning performances, were collected and analyzed. The positive results obtained from the study approved that the usage of virtual contexts in EFL learning could (1) provide students with learning opportunities without the time and space limits, (2) provide students with a game-liked scenario for English learning, and (3) enhance learners’ EFL performances. The learning mode proposed and experiences gained in the current study not only serve as a practical reference to diverse foreign language educational occasions but also add to the knowledge pool of foreign language learning and teaching in virtual worlds.

[1]  Diana G. Oblinger,et al.  Educating the Net Generation , 2005 .

[2]  A. Firth,et al.  Second/Foreign Language Learning as a Social Accomplishment: Elaborations on a Reconceptualized SLA , 2007 .

[3]  Mark Stansfield,et al.  An alternate reality game for language learning: ARGuing for multilingual motivation , 2011, Comput. Educ..

[4]  Ryan D. Tweney,et al.  Contextualizing Counterintuitiveness: How Context Affects Comprehension and Memorability of Counterintuitive Concepts , 2007, Cogn. Sci..

[5]  Chrysanthos Dellarocas,et al.  The Digitization of Word-of-Mouth: Promise and Challenges of Online Feedback Mechanisms , 2003, Manag. Sci..

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

[7]  吉島 茂,et al.  文化と言語の多様性の中のCommon European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, teaching, assessment (CEFR)--それは基準か? (第10回明海大学大学院応用言語学研究科セミナー 講演) , 2008 .

[8]  Dongwan Ryu,et al.  Play to Learn, Learn to Play: Language Learning through Gaming Culture , 2013, ReCALL.

[9]  Stephen J. H. Yang,et al.  Designing interaction tasks in Second Life for Chinese as a foreign language learners: A preliminary exploration , 2013 .

[10]  M. Prensky.  Do They Really Think Differently , 2001 .

[11]  Barohny Eun,et al.  A Sociocultural View of Language Learning: The Importance of Meaning-Based Instruction , 2009 .

[12]  Àngels Llanes,et al.  A short stay abroad: does it make a difference? , 2009 .

[13]  Yao-Ting Sung,et al.  A mobile-device-supported peer-assisted learning system for collaborative early EFL reading , 2007 .

[14]  Barbara A Lafford.  Current Research in Language and Language Teaching , 2001 .

[15]  Marc Prensky,et al.  Digital game-based learning , 2000, CIE.

[16]  Mike Levy,et al.  Learning Italian via mobile SMS , 2005 .

[17]  Jessamine Cooke-Plagwitz,et al.  New Directions in CALL: An Objective Introduction to Second Life , 2013 .

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

[19]  Soojeong Lee,et al.  Can Speaking Activities of Residents in a Virtual World Make Difference to Their Self-Expression? , 2013, J. Educ. Technol. Soc..

[20]  Ya‐Chen Su,et al.  EFL teachers’ perceptions of English language policy at the elementary level in Taiwan , 2006 .

[21]  Agnes Kukulska-Hulme,et al.  Mobile learning: a handbook for educators and trainers , 2005 .

[22]  Yu-Ju Lan,et al.  Does Second Life Improve Mandarin Learning by Overseas Chinese Students , 2014 .

[23]  Rod Ellis,et al.  The Study of Second Language Acquisition , 1994 .

[24]  Mark Peterson,et al.  Towards a Research Agenda for the Use of Three-Dimensional Virtual Worlds in Language Learning , 2011 .

[25]  Yu-Ju Lan,et al.  Virtual English village: A task-based English learning platform in second life , 2014, ICCE 2014.

[26]  Elsa Tragant,et al.  Analyzing the effect of context of second language learning: domestic intensive and semi-intensive courses vs. study abroad in europe , 2011 .

[27]  Yao-Ting Sung,et al.  Let us read together: Development and evaluation of a computer-assisted reciprocal early English reading system , 2009, Comput. Educ..

[28]  Ji-Young Jung,et al.  Issues in Acquisitional Pragmatics , 2002 .

[29]  M. Prensky.  Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants , 2001 .