A virtual Chinese language class in Second Life: Lessons learnt from a two-month pilot study.

Abstract

Authentic context and active social interaction are two critical factors in the success of foreign language learning. Second life (SL) has been viewed as an attractive platform with potential for foreign language learning because of its virtual authentic real context. However, simply moving students to SL guarantee neither students’ active involvement and rich interpersonal interaction nor effective learning outcome. In a two-month pilot study of Chinese learning and teaching in SL, analytical results indicate that there is still more needed to do in SL to help create a more active Chinese language learning environment for Chinese learning and teaching for global learners. While this pilot study focuses on teaching and learning Chinese as a foreign language, the findings and suggestions are also relevant to understanding the related issues of other language.