Virtual Worlds

Virtual games are very popular nowadays. These games allow people to create new things, to express their opinions and become heroes of their dreams. I am sure that virtual games like second life can have a positive impact on language learning. In the language learning context virtual games help students to communicate with each other in the target language, develop critical thinking, increase motivation and become self-directed learners.

Second life is one of the most popular virtual world games that children enjoy playing. To be honest I have tried to play this game and noticed that it is a very interesting and motivating game. Though I am not a “gamer” but I think the good thing about this game is that it gives you freedom to create your own game and to be creative as much as your imagination allows you. Each player chooses his/her own avatar and interacts with objects in the virtual world by moving mouse. The player can do whatever he/she wants and can explore the environments, socialize with other avatars, travel throughout the world.  

Thus, the articles also mentioned the positive impact of virtual games on learning. According to one of the articles that I have read virtual worlds give chance for visualization, simulation and shared learning experiences. Besides, the learners are excited to do things they practically can’t do in real life and be whoever they want to be. Here the teacher is more facilitator that controller. The students are active learners and use the knowledge gained in the class right away. Therefore, educational institutions need to take virtual worlds seriously as they are the future of education.