Searching for the Right Delivery Mechanism: Using Second Life to Teach English as a Foreign Language
Abstract: This presentation will discuss the potential of Second Life as a delivery mechanism for EFL education. While Second Life may sound like an exciting opportunity for EFL, it is important that instructors analyze their needs and ensure that the technology is a proper fit for their lesson. Analyzing the environment will ensure teachers understand what benefits the technology has to offer and what barriers may prevent students from reaching specified goals. Second Life is a resource intensive tool that requires a certain level of understanding, expertise, and even minimum levels of available technology. For instance, users must be comfortable with using a computer, navigating the internet and trouble-shooting technical issues. They must also understand the concept of virtual reality. Without these core competencies, the amount of language learning will be reduced as issues relating to technology or expertise will deviate from the time spent on the lesson.