Constructing a 3D virtual world for foreign language learning based on open source freeware

Abstract

In hopes of finding an appropriate way to integrate virtual worlds into Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL), this paper introduces a 3D virtual platform for language education set up by OpenSimulator and Moodle. The resulting 3D virtual world can not only create a graphic immersive context for students to practice language use, but also offer teachers a better management tool to keep student records and teaching content. Furthermore, some teaching aids and learning tools are developed to support language learning and teaching, and three types of task-based instructional activities are designed to offer an appropriate, appealing and meaningful context where the target language can be acquired naturally with less anxiety. We hope that the 3D virtual world can be an option for the English classroom to provide students an input-rich and immersive environment where learning can be fun. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.