THE USE OF 3D VIRTUAL LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS IN TRAINING FOREIGN LANGUAGE PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS

Abstract

The recent developments in computer and Internet technologies and in three dimensional modelling necessitates the new approaches and methods in the education field and brings new opportunities to the higher education. The Internet and virtual learning environments have changed the learning opportunities by diversifying the learning options not only in general education but also in the field of foreign language for teachers, curriculum designers and students. Many higher education institutions are employing one of the most widely used virtual worlds the Second Life Platform and are conducting classes on their virtual campuses, and organize meetings, seminars and conferences. In this study, it has been aimed to devise and implement learning applications on the 3D Second Life Platform for the prospective foreign language preservice teachers of Istanbul University, Hasan Ali Yucel Faculty of Education, English Language Teaching Department. The study will report a research Project on Second Life aiming at introducing foreign language pre-service teachers with 3D Virtual Learning Environments and enabling them to use this environment for language teaching at Istanbul University, Hasan Ali Yucel Faculty of Education, English Language Teaching Department. In the scope of the Project, “Comparative Education” class has been conducted both face to face and in World. The method of the study is descriptive. Furthermore, a mixed model, where qualitative and quantitative research techniques have analyzed, has been used. Thus, triangulation of the data has been aimed. In the study, a description of the project, methodology, results and student work will be given.