An immersive learning environment to develop english speaking skills: second life in efl

Abstract

This paper describes an immersion learning experience based on Virtual Reality, currently held in the School of Virtual Environments at a Colombian University located in Bogotá, and designed for undergraduate students of Modern Languages who live in a monolingual environment but need to develop speaking skills in Business English through a Case Study strategy. According to the sociocultural and constructivist approach, meanings and understandings grow out of social encounters.Therefore, this study includes world virtual environments, technologies and activities that involve collaboration and enables learners to be immersed in their learning experience through instructional strategies such as hands-on learning, simulations, group projects and case study discussions.