she's not a real avatar? learning without teachers in virtual reality

She’s not a real avatar?

Learning without teachers in virtual reality

She’s not a real avatar?She’s not a real avatar?

Learning without teachers in virtual realityLearning without teachers in virtual reality

An Informal learning program

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

...Language learning in isolation is impossible. Computers, books and television can provide practice, explanations, a few rules or vocabulary items, but only human beings can add the ingredients that make language something more than a limited stagnant code...

Susan Schaller - A man without words

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Why is language taught in a classroom?

ConvenienceTraditionResourcesStudent expectations

Where else can language be learned?

The big bang

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Functional characters

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Age: 48

Appearance: Millie looks her age. She dresses Laura Ashley and struggles with her weight.

Demeanor: Millie is warm, caring, and motherly.

Functional/occupational attribute: Millie owns and manages the café, Conversations.

Objectives: Millie is always working to get more customers. She really wants her café to be a special place for her customers. She wants them to feel comfortable and to think of the conversation café as their ‘home away from home’.

Interests/hobbies/expertise: Millie has a passion for travel, but as an arm chair travelerShe has never been on a plane or more than a 3 hour drive. She reads all sorts of travel magazines and books and is constantly planning her next big trip. Millie loves to talk about the weather and has been ‘studying’ meteorology of late. Never at a loss to share her recipes, Millie is a baker extraordinaire.

Personal/Family: Millie has 2 children: Tommy (her sunshine) and Sarah. Tommy is studying meteorology at the University of Hawaii. Sarah is pre-med at a college an hour away from home.

Narrative: Emotionally, psychologically, and financially, Millie needs her café to be successful.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Millie Eames - Café ManagerMillie Eames - Café Manager

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.QuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Kent Fromundformally knownas JohnathonShellman

Griffin Morrisey

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Judith

• Plots and backstories - some negatives and positives

• The ‘wow’ factor

• Friendliness and professionalism

Student’s reactions

Actor created activitiesQuickTime™ and a

decompressorare needed to see this picture.

Activities created by the actors

• Lack of ‘teacher like’ skills in the actors

• Mixed levels and the technological catch 22

• The schedule and student expectations

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

• Clear statements of skills to be practiced

• Clear contextual areas

• Adaptable and recyclable content

• Level appropriate content

Activity criteria

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

The big bang

Functional characters

Backstories and plots

Actor created activities

Recyclable activities

Success factors

• ‘Total immersion’ without traveling

• Professional and friendly native speakers

• The ‘wow’ factor

• Avatar helps to overcome shyness and embarrassment

• Activities

The future of virtual immersion

• Better technology• Authentic

communities of language speakers

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Lowri Mills - City ManagerLowrimills@gmail.com

Contacts and further information

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

Sally LangerSL Salsita AlmendrosSally@languagelab.comhttp://www.sallylanger.com

slanguages.net

SLanguages 2009

This presentation was given at

SLanguages 2009

The Conference for Language Education in Virtual Worlds