Multi-User Virtual Environments - Teaching through Multi-User Virtual Environments - page 283

Chapter 16
Multi-User Virtual
Environments:
User-Driven Design and Implementation
for Language Learning

Julie M. Sykes
University of New Mexico, USA

ABSTRACT

Various features of multiuser virtual environments (MUVEs) make them promising and, potentially trans-
formational, contexts for the development of second language (L2) skills. While there has been a surge
of interest in the use of MUVEs for language learning, there is still a relatively small body of empirical
evidence that supports our understanding of how these immersive spaces can best be utilized for second
language education. After a brief introduction to relevant research on MUVEs and language learning,
this chapter is divided into two primary sections. The first section describes one component of a larger
empirical study of the first MUVE built specifically for learning Spanish pragmatics. The following
section utilizes the empirical findings, combined with lessons learned from classroom implementation,
to suggest design considerations for those wishing to implement MUVEs in the language classroom.
While the specific focus of the chapter is language learning, the findings are intended to be generally
applicable in other disciplines as well.

INTRODUCTION

practices (Brown & Adler, 2008; Thorne, 2000;
Thorne & Payne, 2005). Witness, for example, the
explosion of Twitter as a critically important social
networking site 1 or the rapid increase of people
who regularly interact with, and within, multi-user
virtual environments (MUVEs). Concurrent with
transitions in social and professional contexts, we
have witnessed a notable increased interest in the
use of MUVEs for educational purposes (de Frei-
tas, 2006; Prensky, 2001; Sawyer & Smith, 2008).

The design, implementation, and evaluation of
any new learning innovation require thoughtful,
context-based inquiry to inform both theory and
practice. This is especially true in the case of
emergent technological tools, which often have
a profound impact on social and professional

DOI: 10.4018/978-1-61692-822-3.ch016