Theme-based Invited Speaker: TELL(C6)

Yu-Ju LAN (​Department of Applied Chinese Language and Culture, National Taiwan Normal University, Taiwan)

Title: Language learning in virtual worlds: embodied, immersive, and interactive

Date, Time, and Venue: NOH THEATRE, DECEMBER 3 (WEDNESDAY), 10:20-11:00

Synopsis:
Social interaction plays an important role in the second language acquisition (SLA), whereby the learners and the social context in the real world are connected in an inseparable relationship. In particular, the context-dependent social interaction is most important to SLA because it provides second language (L2) learners essential scaffolding for acquiring an L2. Language learning is actually something that happens both inside the head of the learner and in the world in which the learner experiences the learning. The inseparability of external and internal mediation during context-dependent interaction in sociocultural SLA is in line with the argument of embodied cognition. That is, virtual immersion environments, such as Second Life (SL, a multiuser virtual environment), have drawn the attention of cross-disciplined researchers because they make both avatar-self movement and different immersive interaction between the learner and the virtual environments possible. This speech will focus on (1) understanding the unique features of virtual worlds in providing language learners an immersive environment for embodied, social interactions via learners’ avatars; and (2) how those unique features benefit learners’ SLA.
Bio:
Ass. Prof. Lan has a PhD in Technology Enhanced Foreign Language Learning. Her research interests include technology enhanced foreign language learning (TEFLL), online synchronous teacher training, language learning in virtual worlds, and mobile learning (ML). Ass. Prof. Lan is especially concerned about how to efficiently and effectively use mobile-learning devices and virtual worlds to improve foreign language learners’ language proficiency. Ass. Prof. Lan is a leading researcher in the area of Chinese as a Foreign Language and the use of digital technologies and task-based language learning to enhance CFL learning and her research has been internationally published. She has done and continues to do cutting edge research on the use of online tools for distance learning and on complementary pedagogies. She has also taken a leading role in training undergraduate students who will be future teachers of CFL in the use of cutting edge digital technologies and the associated pedagogies. More information can be found at: 

http://tell.tcsl.ntnu.edu.tw/index.php?inter=people&did=39