SlideShare une entreprise Scribd logo
1  sur  19
The classroom is dead - long live the classroom Paul Sweeney,  [email_address] http:// www.eduworlds.org SLanguages 2009 http://www.slanguages.net
Overview ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
Reality check 1
Teaching / learning ‘spaces’ ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
The  Classroom  Space What? Business English course  Language input +Soft skills+ Fieldtrips + team building Where: Classroom
The  City  Space What? Exploration of different city locations for themed ‘classes’ Where? School, sports field, theatre, cinema, restaurant, art gallery ..
The  Suggestive  Space What? General English – adults. Most material developed CEF B1, B2 Conversation class aimed to build on student reactions to a particular space whatever discussion arose depending on student experiences, culture, perception etc. Very open ended and non prescriptive. e.g. “life experiences”, “art” Where? Garden, beach, riverbank, hotel, art gallery, campfire, park
The  Functional  Space What? Material  based on CEF ALTE Social & Tourism descriptors – approx 2 x 90 minute lessons per descriptor per level. Most material developed B1, B2  Main focus on oral + listening skills.  Where? Airport, hotel,  dry cleaners, restaurant, bar, post office, bank, martian temple, residences …
The  Fun & Leisure  Space ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],Where? Theatre / TV studio Quiz, obstacle course, ice rink
The  Thematic Functional / Suggestive  Space What? General English – adult, B1 & B2 Functional / tasked based  within a classroom paradigm Narrative-structured syllabus e.g. Holidays took students from holiday planning to catching the plane, arrival, checking in & sightseeing @ 2 X 90 min classes per week) material per level Broader range of skill and language input Where? Garden, beach, riverbank, hotel, art gallery, campfire, park, airport, hotel, dry cleaners, restaurant, bar, post office, bank, martian temple
The  Game  Space What? Teacher co-ordinated but not teacher led sequence of tasks related to an ALTE CEF descriptor drawing on game-based principles.   Where? Tourist office (& tours), bank
The  Simulation  Space What? Classes are reporting teams for English City newspaper. Decide on choice of / approach to articles. Prepare collaboratively. Where? City News offices, other ‘admin’ spaces All SL for research
The Formal & Informal Space What? Undisguised  input, skills work, preparation, support, feedback Where? What? Location informed tasks using simulation & role play Where?
Reality check 2
Reflection 1: Warburton’s typology of 3-D virtual worlds   (adapted McKeown, 2007)   … . yourself. … .  yourself. … .an extension of yourself. … . a character in a role with a defined purpose. You are .. ..  provides a virtual workplace setting for collaborative activity & often includes the necessary tools. ..  a close representation of the physical world + governed by the same rules. ..  elements of both a fictional and physical world.  Exists mainly as a place for social interactions to occur .. a setting where your story or narrative unfolds within constraints of the rules /  goals set by designers. ProjectWonderland Olive Open Croquet Distributed Observer Network Google Earth Second Life Metaplace Habbo Hotel Sims Online World of Warcraft NeverWinter Nights Ardcalloch Rivercity project e.g, 3-D realisation of Computer Supported Collaborative Workspaces-CSCWS Simulations or reflections of the ‘real’ Social platforms, 3-D chat rooms and virtual world generators Games (MMPORGs) and serious games Defn. Workspace Simulation Social world Flexible narrative What
Reflection 2: a checklist of success factors for teaching & learning ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
 
References ,[object Object],[object Object],[object Object],[object Object]
http://www.eduworlds.org  – paul@eduworlds.org

Contenu connexe

En vedette

Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teaching
Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teachingStyles, strategies and tactics approaches to teaching
Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teachingSchool of eduction, PU
 
Role playing approach in teaching
Role playing approach in teachingRole playing approach in teaching
Role playing approach in teachingKirstal Eduyan
 
Role playing and Simulation Seminar
Role playing and Simulation SeminarRole playing and Simulation Seminar
Role playing and Simulation Seminardmurdoc2
 
roleplay in the classroom
roleplay in the classroomroleplay in the classroom
roleplay in the classroomafricahi
 

En vedette (6)

Role play model of teaching
Role   play   model    of  teachingRole   play   model    of  teaching
Role play model of teaching
 
Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teaching
Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teachingStyles, strategies and tactics approaches to teaching
Styles, strategies and tactics approaches to teaching
 
Role playing approach in teaching
Role playing approach in teachingRole playing approach in teaching
Role playing approach in teaching
 
Role playing and Simulation Seminar
Role playing and Simulation SeminarRole playing and Simulation Seminar
Role playing and Simulation Seminar
 
Role playing
Role playingRole playing
Role playing
 
roleplay in the classroom
roleplay in the classroomroleplay in the classroom
roleplay in the classroom
 

Similaire à Learning in virtual worlds - the role of the classroom

2vid@ as a learning tool
2vid@ as a learning tool2vid@ as a learning tool
2vid@ as a learning toolRuth Martínez
 
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of Reference
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of ReferenceTask Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of Reference
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of ReferenceCristina Palomeque
 
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...Paul Sweeney
 
Northlands presentation
Northlands presentationNorthlands presentation
Northlands presentationSilvina
 
Links Manchester 9th March Handout
Links Manchester 9th March HandoutLinks Manchester 9th March Handout
Links Manchester 9th March HandoutIsabelle Jones
 
Using Second Life for Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life for Online and Campus ClassesUsing Second Life for Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life for Online and Campus Classesguest540a74b
 
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus ClassesUsing Second Life in Your Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus ClassesCynthia Calongne
 
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus ClassesUsing Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classesguest19a1a6
 
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus ClassesUsing Virtual Environments For Online and Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus ClassesCynthia Calongne
 
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...David Bartsch
 
The ViTAAL Project
The ViTAAL ProjectThe ViTAAL Project
The ViTAAL ProjectTon Koenraad
 
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with Tech
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with TechSix Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with Tech
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with TechKristi Reyes
 
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009Ton Koenraad
 
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in EducationNiflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in EducationTon Koenraad
 
Romance languages pilot project
Romance languages pilot projectRomance languages pilot project
Romance languages pilot projectumi zakiyah
 
Learning Objects Tesol 2010
Learning Objects Tesol 2010Learning Objects Tesol 2010
Learning Objects Tesol 2010guestd95019
 

Similaire à Learning in virtual worlds - the role of the classroom (20)

2vid@ as a learning tool
2vid@ as a learning tool2vid@ as a learning tool
2vid@ as a learning tool
 
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of Reference
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of ReferenceTask Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of Reference
Task Design in Virtual Worlds: Towards a Frame of Reference
 
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...
Task design in virtual worlds towards a frame of reference v10e paul sweeney ...
 
Northlands presentation
Northlands presentationNorthlands presentation
Northlands presentation
 
Links Manchester 9th March Handout
Links Manchester 9th March HandoutLinks Manchester 9th March Handout
Links Manchester 9th March Handout
 
Using Second Life for Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life for Online and Campus ClassesUsing Second Life for Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life for Online and Campus Classes
 
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus ClassesUsing Second Life in Your Online and Campus Classes
Using Second Life in Your Online and Campus Classes
 
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus ClassesUsing Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online And Campus Classes
 
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus ClassesUsing Virtual Environments For Online and Campus Classes
Using Virtual Environments For Online and Campus Classes
 
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...
The next technology wave developing an extended integrated skills project tes...
 
The ViTAAL Project
The ViTAAL ProjectThe ViTAAL Project
The ViTAAL Project
 
Tech day teaching esl in sl
Tech day   teaching esl in slTech day   teaching esl in sl
Tech day teaching esl in sl
 
Readers theater and informational text
Readers theater and informational textReaders theater and informational text
Readers theater and informational text
 
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with Tech
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with TechSix Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with Tech
Six Steps for Teaching EL Civics Vocabulary with Tech
 
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009
ViTAAL and NIFLAR projects at Slanguages 2009
 
9h tu rodriguez_quintana_irma
9h tu rodriguez_quintana_irma9h tu rodriguez_quintana_irma
9h tu rodriguez_quintana_irma
 
Sjtu221107
Sjtu221107Sjtu221107
Sjtu221107
 
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in EducationNiflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education
Niflar at 2010 Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education
 
Romance languages pilot project
Romance languages pilot projectRomance languages pilot project
Romance languages pilot project
 
Learning Objects Tesol 2010
Learning Objects Tesol 2010Learning Objects Tesol 2010
Learning Objects Tesol 2010
 

Dernier

Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxNirmalaLoungPoorunde1
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Educationpboyjonauth
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxRoyAbrique
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppCeline George
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon AUnboundStockton
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Celine George
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionMaksud Ahmed
 
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdfssuser54595a
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentInMediaRes1
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfchloefrazer622
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeThiyagu K
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingTechSoup
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsanshu789521
 
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991RKavithamani
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3JemimahLaneBuaron
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxmanuelaromero2013
 

Dernier (20)

Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
 
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptxContemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
Contemporary philippine arts from the regions_PPT_Module_12 [Autosaved] (1).pptx
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon ACrayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
Crayon Activity Handout For the Crayon A
 
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
Incoming and Outgoing Shipments in 1 STEP Using Odoo 17
 
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introductionmicrowave assisted reaction. General introduction
microwave assisted reaction. General introduction
 
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf
18-04-UA_REPORT_MEDIALITERAСY_INDEX-DM_23-1-final-eng.pdf
 
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media ComponentAlper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
Alper Gobel In Media Res Media Component
 
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdfArihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
Arihant handbook biology for class 11 .pdf
 
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
Model Call Girl in Tilak Nagar Delhi reach out to us at 🔝9953056974🔝
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha electionsPresiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
Presiding Officer Training module 2024 lok sabha elections
 
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
Industrial Policy - 1948, 1956, 1973, 1977, 1980, 1991
 
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
Q4-W6-Restating Informational Text Grade 3
 
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptxHow to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
How to Make a Pirate ship Primary Education.pptx
 

Learning in virtual worlds - the role of the classroom

  • 1. The classroom is dead - long live the classroom Paul Sweeney, [email_address] http:// www.eduworlds.org SLanguages 2009 http://www.slanguages.net
  • 2.
  • 4.
  • 5. The Classroom Space What? Business English course Language input +Soft skills+ Fieldtrips + team building Where: Classroom
  • 6. The City Space What? Exploration of different city locations for themed ‘classes’ Where? School, sports field, theatre, cinema, restaurant, art gallery ..
  • 7. The Suggestive Space What? General English – adults. Most material developed CEF B1, B2 Conversation class aimed to build on student reactions to a particular space whatever discussion arose depending on student experiences, culture, perception etc. Very open ended and non prescriptive. e.g. “life experiences”, “art” Where? Garden, beach, riverbank, hotel, art gallery, campfire, park
  • 8. The Functional Space What? Material based on CEF ALTE Social & Tourism descriptors – approx 2 x 90 minute lessons per descriptor per level. Most material developed B1, B2 Main focus on oral + listening skills. Where? Airport, hotel, dry cleaners, restaurant, bar, post office, bank, martian temple, residences …
  • 9.
  • 10. The Thematic Functional / Suggestive Space What? General English – adult, B1 & B2 Functional / tasked based within a classroom paradigm Narrative-structured syllabus e.g. Holidays took students from holiday planning to catching the plane, arrival, checking in & sightseeing @ 2 X 90 min classes per week) material per level Broader range of skill and language input Where? Garden, beach, riverbank, hotel, art gallery, campfire, park, airport, hotel, dry cleaners, restaurant, bar, post office, bank, martian temple
  • 11. The Game Space What? Teacher co-ordinated but not teacher led sequence of tasks related to an ALTE CEF descriptor drawing on game-based principles. Where? Tourist office (& tours), bank
  • 12. The Simulation Space What? Classes are reporting teams for English City newspaper. Decide on choice of / approach to articles. Prepare collaboratively. Where? City News offices, other ‘admin’ spaces All SL for research
  • 13. The Formal & Informal Space What? Undisguised input, skills work, preparation, support, feedback Where? What? Location informed tasks using simulation & role play Where?
  • 15. Reflection 1: Warburton’s typology of 3-D virtual worlds (adapted McKeown, 2007) … . yourself. … . yourself. … .an extension of yourself. … . a character in a role with a defined purpose. You are .. .. provides a virtual workplace setting for collaborative activity & often includes the necessary tools. .. a close representation of the physical world + governed by the same rules. .. elements of both a fictional and physical world. Exists mainly as a place for social interactions to occur .. a setting where your story or narrative unfolds within constraints of the rules / goals set by designers. ProjectWonderland Olive Open Croquet Distributed Observer Network Google Earth Second Life Metaplace Habbo Hotel Sims Online World of Warcraft NeverWinter Nights Ardcalloch Rivercity project e.g, 3-D realisation of Computer Supported Collaborative Workspaces-CSCWS Simulations or reflections of the ‘real’ Social platforms, 3-D chat rooms and virtual world generators Games (MMPORGs) and serious games Defn. Workspace Simulation Social world Flexible narrative What
  • 16.
  • 17.  
  • 18.
  • 19. http://www.eduworlds.org – paul@eduworlds.org

Notes de l'éditeur

  1. This presentation outlines lessons learned over two years by a team of educators and materials developers which I led working at Languagelab.com to develop immersive language learning programmes in the virtual world of Second Life. In addition to sharing many years of teaching experience in quality institutions internationally, the team had a considerable array of expertises to draw on: Materials development to published standard for English and Spanish teaching Teaching training Materials development for web and other electronic media e-community management Web 2.0 tools such as wikis and learning management systems Virtual world design and development As a playground we also had the huge virtual city which Languagelab.com had created in SecondLife to explore as many permutations of formal and informal learning as we had the energy and creativity to do. The process was notable for its creativity, its highly collaborative and iterative nature within a commercial development. Languagelab is a for profit, private company and part of the development criteria were to produce services which people were prepared to pay for. This may sound hard nosed to the educator community but in fact it was arguably far more learner centred than what happens in many schools and universities: the learners at all stages were either satisfied to very satisfied with what the learning but there was always room for improvement either in terms of fine tuning or as we had another paradigm shift in perception and explored a new perspective. We changed what we were doing from one development cycle to the next in response to detailed learner feedback. The topic has other resonances. For creative educators working in virtual worlds. Very often the sheer potential of the medium leads us to assume that the way we are constrained to do things in a real life classroom has very little transfer value into a virtual world. Surely in such a highly social, potentially autonomous environment students need to be freed from the shackles of the classroom – and perhaps even the teacher. What then the role of the classroom? This is what we found …