1. Teaching Chinese in the Virtual World What tools can be used? By Xie Tianwei California State University, Long Beach Email: txie@csulb.edu Virtual office: http://xietianwei.net The handout of this presentation can be downloaded at http://learningchineseonline.net/PPT/

2. Virtual Word in a broad sense Alternative terms: virtual space, virtual community, virtual environment A virtual learning environment (VLE) is a system that creates an environment designed to facilitate teachers in the management of educational courses for their students, especially a system using computer hardware and software, which involves distance learning. While originally created for distance education, VLEs are now most often used to supplement traditional face to face classroom activities, commonly known as Blended Learning.

3. Virtual World in a narrow sense A virtual world is an internet-based, simulated environment where users interact via motionable avatars, graphical images that represent people. Over the past several years, educators have begun exploring virtual worlds as a powerful medium for instruction. (ANGEL team, 2008)

4. What is happening? This is a world of globalization and Internet Internet shortens the distance and makes communication easier than ever before Language teaching and learning is no longer an activity in classrooms. It can happen anytime and anywhere.

5. STANDARDS FOR FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING Five Cs Source: Dr. Liu Shijuan

6. Blogs Wikis Podcasts Virtual World Video Sharing Video Conferencing Online Chat Online Language learning websites Web 2.0 and 5 Cs Source: Dr. Liu Shijuan

7. What tools can be used for teaching and learning in the virtual world In-classroom Course delivery Discussion Practice Assessment Outside-classroom Community learning Collaborative learning

8. WizIq http://www.wiziq.com http://www.wiziq.com Teaching online Course delivery Lecturing Tutoring

12. Skype+Mikogo http://skype.com http://www.mikogo.com http://skype.com http://www.mikogo.com Teaching online Course delivery Lecturing Tutoring

15. ConnectNow https://www.acrobat.com/#/connectn ow/GoToMyMeeting Teaching online Course delivery Lecturing Tutoring

19. Wiggio http://wiggio.com http://wiggio.com Collaborating learning Team working Work in groups

24. SecondLife and other 3D virtual communities

25. Example 1. There.com - an online getaway where one can hang out with his/her friends and meet new ones-- all in a lush 3D environment.

27. Example 2. Unisfair.com – live, highly interactive conferences, trade shows, job fairs and any other type of event that people would hold in person

29. Example 3. secondlife.com - 3D virtual world where users can socialize, connect and create using voice and text chat.

31. Example 4. HiPiHi.com - 3D A platform for a 3D virtual world

33. Examples of using Second Life in Teaching Chinese Second Life Chinese School at the Confucius Institute of Michigan State University: China Island Project http://confucius.msu.edu/secondlife/default.html University of Oregon: MyChina Village Project (Summer, 2009) Summer camp with the students from Suzhou University (six weeks) Topic on environmental protection Open house for everybody on Fridays

34. Our expectations Real learning in virtual community More challenges Visions

35. Thank you! Email: txie@csulb.edu txie@csulb.edu Virtual office: http://xietianwei.net http://xietianwei.net