Foreign language learning in Web 2.0, with particular reference to Second Life and its potential for Higher Education

Stefanie Hundsberger

The potential of Web 2.0 in education has yet to be fully explored and exploited. The way we work and learn has changed drastically over the past decade or so. New technologies have created a global virtual communication network. We have come to expect people to adapt rapidly to new technology and to acquire new skills effortlessly. Foreign language learning is an obvious area that can benefit from Web 2.0 applications due to its interactive and immersive nature. I plan to explore this potential by experimenting with a live language course using web 2.0 tools. The results could lead to, and contribute to, broader developments in the wider educational sector.