The document discusses whether Second Life provides a suitable environment for teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL). It describes an unscripted conversation in Second Life between the presenter and someone interested in renting space on an island for training. It then lists some real-world organizations experimenting with or using Second Life and provides links to related resources.

1. Does Second Life provide an environment in which EFL can be taught and learned? Slightly edited version for Slideshare of: Presentation made at IATEFL BESIG 2007, 16-18 November, Technische Fachhoschule, Berlin [ 1 of 3] Dennis Newson, formerly University of Osnabrueck, Germany

4. Does Second Life provide a suitable environment for learning and teaching TEFL? Do you know what Second Life is?

6. How real is SL? An actual, unrehearsed conversation Connecting to in-world Voice Chat...Connected Front Door whispers: Osnacantab Nesterov is at the door * Front Door whispers: Jean Wingtips is at the door Basic Chair: Right click me and choose 'Sit Here' to sit down Jean Wingtips: hello Jean Wingtips: Osnacantab? Jean Wingtips: Do you own this place? Jean Wingtips: Are you a member of Edunation III? Jean Wingtips: I'm thinking about renting a spot, and I could use a testimonial if you have one Jean Wingtips: Do you speak English? You: Sorry. I was sending a message and you were covered! How can I help? Jean Wingtips: I'm new to SL, but I want to "ramp up" fast on delivering training here. 1

7. You: What sort of training? Jean Wingtips: I'm considering renting/buying a place on this island. Are you an owner? You: No. But I know one Gavin Dudeney, the owner of this island, and two others. Jean Wingtips: I have developed courseware and consulting offerings to help IT experts learn to be billable consulants Jean Wingtips: I have spoken to Gavin, but am wondering if there are any current tenants Jean Wingtips: It's always good to hear from "the customers" don't you think? Jean Wingtips: Is this the sample office? 2

8. You: Absolutely. Afraid I'm not a tenant, though - but he has some impressive tenants. Jean Wingtips: Have you spoken to any? Jean Wingtips: What is your purpose here? Are you a trainer? You: Did you know a Dutch MP visited this island to give a speech in election campaign? Jean Wingtips: No I didn't. That's interesting.... Jean Wingtips: I don't know what MP stands for. Please advise. ……… .. Jean Wingtips: I am formal, by nature, as you can see - I'm comfortable in a suit and chose the name "wingtips" (formal shoes.) 3

9. ( JW mentioned that she had been to Germany.) Jean Wingtips: I loved the way the German people speak their minds - here in US that is often politically incorrect, but I liked it very much You: I tried to make my avatar look like me. Other people indulge their fantasies. Jean Wingtips: Nice talking with you. Thanks for the info Jean Wingtips: I like the way you look. Like a smart, casual man [We then switched to speech, of which there is no automatic log.] 4

11. Virtual handout http ://besig2007sl.wikispaces.com List For those who want to remain in touch with colleagues interested in exploring the possible use SL in the context of learning and teaching Business English: BESIG20072L To subscribe, send an empty message to: [email_address] Stop press Excellent wiki on the educational uses of SL (Thanks to Gavin for reference) : http://sleducation.wikispaces.com/educationaluses

13. The essence of the SL experience Presence - you feel there Trees swaying in the breeze Birds flying overhead The noise of surf breaking on the beach You can walk, fly, sit down, stand up,talk, hear, write, read, watch videos and films, listen to music, record sounds and images (with help of other programs), dance (with a special script), dress up, change your appearance For me the quintessence of the appeal is: Visual – colour, depth and space.You can walk around. You can talk to people. Nonetheless, feeling of privacy – you are probably the only person at your monitor.

14. SLIDE SHOW

15. Video clips In the presentation there were 2 links to short SL sequences made with a screen capturing program. Since you must be connected to the internet if you are reading this, though, if you haven‘t yet visited SL, you can do so by going to: Second Life