Virtual Worlds and Language Education

Abstract

This chapter examines the state and upcoming developments of virtual worlds (VWs) in the field of language education. Beginning with an overview of their historical development, the chapter will continue with a discussion of how VWs evolved from purely text-based environments to two-dimensional spaces, ending with the 3D interactive worlds that exist today. A selection of VWs will be examined for the applicability to language teaching and independent language learning, followed by a discussion of current challenges and difficulties in using VWs for these purposes. The chapter concludes with upcoming developments that will bring these environments into the realm of true virtual reality.