Virtual worlds for collaborative learning: Arab EFL learners' attitudes toward Second Life
Autor: | Yousif A. Alshumaimeri, Ebrahim Bamanger, Amani Gashan |
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Rok vydání: | 2019 |
Předmět: |
lcsh:LC8-6691
lcsh:Special aspects of education Teaching method 05 social sciences Foreign language Educational technology 050301 education Validity Context (language use) Collaborative learning Language acquisition Metaverse Education Management of Technology and Innovation 0502 economics and business Computer Science (miscellaneous) Mathematics education 050211 marketing lcsh:L Psychology 0503 education lcsh:Education |
Zdroj: | World Journal on Educational Technology, Vol 11, Iss 3 (2019) |
ISSN: | 1309-0348 |
DOI: | 10.18844/wjet.v11i3.4235 |
Popis: | In the Arab world, there is a lack of research investigating the use of virtual games to support learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The aim of this study was to examine EFL learners' attitudes towards the integration of the Second Life virtual game as a collaborative instructional tool. A descriptive inquiry method was followed, and data gathered using a questionnaire that had been tested for validity and reliability. Forty-one undergraduates, enrolled in two computer-assisted language learning classes, at a school of education represent the study sample. Findings indicated that the majority were in favor of using virtual worlds as collaborative learning contexts. Recommendations include that: 1) EFL teachers be trained to utilize virtual games; 2) EFL learners be encouraged to utilize virtual portals as collaborative learning opportunities to engage with target foreign language speakers around the world, and 3) EFL instructors create learning tasks requiring learners to interact with other language speakers in virtual games to ensure rich language exposition. Moreover, it is recommended that further studies consider a qualitative design that makes use of in-depth observations and interviews to explore learners’ attitudes about the integration of this technology in an EFL context. |
Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
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