Virtual worlds like Second Life are a perfect complement to e-learning. 

Nowadays nobody doubts the benefits of e-learning. These systems of distance learning, using mainly Internet tools, are fully consolidated and continue to grow steadily. 

Apart from cost reduction to process a larger number of participants and of course the flexibility of schedules, e-learning is a tool well suited for training individuals in highly decentralized organizations. In the latter area is where Second Life and other virtual worlds can be a very effective tool for “traditional” web-based online courses such as moodle. 

Web-based distance learning is mainly asyncronous. Second Life can add presence, although virtual, with online training. 

We have said elsewhere that the experience of meeting in Second Life is an acceptable substitute for the meeting in the real world. This is somehow equivalent in many ways to videoconference. But videoconference facilities are more expensive, fragile and difficult to access. Only a few large companies can afford a videoconference room for the workplace. In Second Life each computer connected to the internet can be a videoconference tool. 

Discussion on language learning in Second Life. Aberdeen’s IATEFL conference. Photo Blogefl (FLICKR.COM) 

Discussion on language learning in Second Life. Aberdeen's IATEFL conference. Photo Blogefl FLICKR.

Take the case of UNIGIS. Students in the online master of UNIGIS are scattered throughout the world. UNIGIS is using moodle as a tool for course management. However, thanks to Second Life, they will be able to come and participate with their avatars in virtual classes. They may also collaborate in seminars with other students and teachers. 

In the post on the predictions of Gartner, Javier Selva reminded us that “a strategy for success in virtual worlds should combine virtual worlds (3D) and the web (2D). Second Life actually is not going to replace the web, but can complement it in an effective manner. 

In the case of language learning, the usefulness of this integration is evident. There are many distance learning courses that allow web-based work, but that can not work a core function: talking. 

In language learning in Second Life students attend virtual classrooms that look very similar to a class of real world: they speak and listen. Classes are guided by teachers who can be found in England, United States, Germany, France or Australia. Language Lab users also benefit from the living practical communication contexts: a supermarket, a travel agency, a trade show, etc.

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Gartner, the oracle of reference on the assessment and the forecasting of the development of new technologies, has launched a bittersweet message about virtual worlds (Second Life and the like).

The most important findings of Gartner in 2008 are:

-There was a high degree of failed business ventures in Second Life. In a period of 18 months, 9 out of 10 projects have been abandoned.

-Projects that fail do so largely because the technology forgets the real needs of users.

-Second Life and other virtual worlds offer significant advantages for companies. Improve distance collaboration, reducing travel costs and save time. It avoids the costs of further implementation of videoconferencing systems.

-A strategy for success must combine virtual worlds (3D) with the web (2D)

In 2012 70% of companies in 2012 will have a private virtual world, which will have a greater level of success because they will have to fight less inflated expectations. They will have clearer objectives.

In Dot, we agree with the Gartner view: we must focus our efforts on areas of corporate cooperation, go for virtual training (coordinated with the Web) and aim to save time and costs of travelling.

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