ERIC Number: EJ1107913
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1832-4215
EISSN: N/A
Tasks for Easily Modifiable Virtual Environments
Swier, Robert
JALT CALL Journal, v10 n3 p203-219 2014
Recent studies of learner interaction in virtual worlds have tended to select basic tasks involving open-ended communication. There is evidence that such tasks are supportive of language acquisition, however it may also be beneficial to consider more complex tasks. Research in task-based learning has identified features such as non-linguistic goals that are seen as promoting rich learner interaction. In this preliminary work, we report on the development of goal-orientated tasks for the virtual environment Minecraft, offering a qualitative examination of learner interaction using three such tasks. Results show the potential for easily modifiable platforms such as Minecraft to support the implementation of goal-orientated tasks for virtual environments.
Descriptors: Virtual Classrooms, Task Analysis, Goal Orientation, Qualitative Research, Computer Games, Computer Uses in Education, Curriculum Design, Performance Factors, Communicative Competence (Languages), Computer Simulation, Undergraduate Students, English (Second Language), Questionnaires, Semi Structured Interviews, Interaction, Participant Satisfaction, Foreign Countries, Likert Scales
JALT CALL SIG. 1-6-1 Nishiwaseda Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8050, Japan. e-mail: journal!jaltcall.org; Web site: http://journal.jaltcall.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Japan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A