E-learning and virtual worlds

Virtual worlds

Listen carefully to an interview with Melissa Ferrer, an English and French translator, who discuss the uses of virtual worlds in an EFL environment

Don´t forget to add your opinion!!

http://mariansalazar.podbean.com/

3D: Virtual Worlds- Second Life

A virtual world is an online community that takes the form of a computer-based simulated environment through which users can interact with one another and use and create objects. The term has become largely synonymous with interactive 3D virtual environments, where the users take the form of avatars visible to others. These avatars usually appear as textual, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional representations. In general, virtual worlds allow for multiple users. (Bishop, J. 2009)

Some virtual worlds such as Second Life are now being used by language teachers to provide simulation of real life environments and allow students to discover more creative and more realistic ways to improve their language skills. Although Second Life will introduce an internal voice chat, some language teachers have already been using messengers to fill some gaps. Now, feel free to explore the 3D world, and enjoy the experience!

Social Networks

Social networking is based on a certain structure that allow people to both express their individuality and meet people with similar interests. This structure includes having profiles, friends, blog posts, widgets, and usually something unique to that particular social networking website -- such as the ability to 'poke' people on Facebook or high-five someone on Hi5.

Profile. This is where you tell the world about yourself. Profiles contain basic information, like who's your favorite actor and what's your favorite book. Social networks dedicated to a special theme like music or movies might ask questions related to that theme.

Friends. Friends are trusted members of the site that are allowed to post comments on your profile or send you private messages.

Groups. Most social networks use groups to help you find people with similar interests or engage in discussions on certain topics.

Discussions. A primary focus of groups is to create interaction between users in the form of discussions. Most social networking websites support discussion boards for the groups, and many also allow members of the group to post pictures, music, video clips, and other tidbits related to the group.

Blogs. Another feature of some social networks is the ability to create your own blog entries. While not as feature-rich as blog hosts like Wordpress or Blogger, blogging through a social network is perfect for keeping people informed on what you are up to.

                                                                                               Taken from http://webtrends.about.com

Watch the video and learn a little bit about social networks in the educational field

Podcasts, voice tools & audio recorders

Podcasts, Voice Tools and Audio Recorders

The use of podcasts in learning a foreign or second language is relatively new (Aurélie Trybus, 2011). The podcasts refer to a type of digital media consisting of an episodic series of audio files subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device. Moreover, these tools, such as: audio podcasts, video podcasts, enhance podcasts and screen podcasts were created to have a first-hand interaction with learners so they have the opportunity to be in contact with different pronunciations, to share academic information in a friendly environment and most importantly, to learn and practice the English language among their peers.