Could it be- virtual reality!!!?

Learn a foreign language in an innovative 3D role-playing game!

MiddWorld Online

The following is exactly what I am looking for in a serious language learning game. Although I was unable to play it, please view the video to see just what could be possible.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2lfK6Zq2YQg

Second Life is probably the best known 3D virtual world, but it is not the only one. Some other virtual environments that you may have heard of include There.com, Twinity and Exit Reality.

Generally virtual worlds are relaxed environments where anyone can go to socialize. However, many businesses and countless educational institutions are using virtual worlds for private meetings, classes and public events.

- See more at: http://www.avatarlanguages.com/teaching/virtualworld.php#sthash.pJItudLX.dpuf

The reason I am drawn to MiddWorld is because there is a mission- a real sense of gaming, all while exposure to the Spanish language!

use this blog link for more information. seriousgamesmarket.blogspot.com

·       I stumbled upon this while surfing the Web. http://muzzylane.com/project/m

 Language learning objectives would be:

Social learning: students can meet others, whether fellow students from their own institution or students at a partner institute or simply native speakers of their target language. Both specific tasks and general conversation practice are available in a relaxed environment.

Immersive learning: 3D virtual environments allow students to really be somewhere. Students can easily (virtually) visit real locations or explore imaginary places. This allows us to add reality to specific tasks by including the physical interaction with the location as part of the language task, yet it avoids being bound by the logistics of arranging visits.

Creativity: some virtual worlds (especially Second Life) allow users to build objects (real or imaginary) in a cheap and easy way. Students can create and decorate their own virtual home, customize their avatar’s appearance and create virtual vehicles. There are therefore opportunities for students to role play within a specific context and to collaborate with other students in building tasks.

Relevance: for many students virtual worlds seem normal places to be. Virtual meetings or presentations are different from their real life equivalents and so students will benefit from practicing 21st Century skills within a 3D virtual environment.

- See more at: http://www.avatarlanguages.com/teaching/virtualworld.php 

 How could I assess if these learning objectives had been met? That’s a great question. Because this would be a game for students to play at home, it would be difficult at this point to determine the assessment of achievement. Perhaps it would satisfy the requirement to simply log on to the game and play. 

 I would love to explore this virtual Spanish world, if anyone has any connections, experience, links, or other to some serious gaming along these lines, Please comment below!