Presenter: Scott Grant (Monash University, Australia).

This session is about enhancing tertiary Chinese foreign language learning through task ‐ based language learning in 3D multiuser virtual environments.

Two key challenges faced by Australians in the present century are technology and foreign languages. Technology in general, and communications technology particularly , is becoming increasingly pervasive in all aspects of our lives.The challenge we face is how to best use technology to value add to the student learning experience and learning outcomes with an eye to increasing our competitiveness in the global market. Likewise, the need for skills in languages other than English is becoming more pressing as neighbouring economies come to play an increasingly important part in Australia’s future prosperity. Mobilising technology to enhance language learning is at the heart of Virtually Enhanced Languages (VEL). Funded by the Australian Federal Government Office for Learning and Teaching, VEL builds on five years of experience using online 3D multiuser virtual environments (MUVEs) to enhance tertiary level Chinese language and culture learning. The project aims to reduce barriers to entry for educators interested in 3D MUVEs and task-based language learning by providing free, shareable resources, both pedagogical and technical, developed over the last five years and to develop a community of practice to foster ongoing development and sharing of resources and experience.

The session will cover both the background and goals of the VEL project and will include a live demonstration of the 3DMUVE environment.

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Sessions are hosted by Professor Geoffrey Crisp, Dean Learning and Teaching, RMIT University and Dr Mathew Hillier, Institute for Teaching and Learning Innovation, University of Queensland, Australia.

Please note all sessions are recorded and made public after the event.