[B-Greek] Immersive environments - mmorpg (Massively multiplayer online role-playing game)

Carl Conrad cwconrad2 at mac.com
Fri Aug 7 19:59:36 EDT 2009


Forwarded for: Stephen and Amanda <stephenandamanda at gmail.com>
Date: August 7, 2009 8:17:34 AM EDT
To: b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: Immersive environments - mmorpg (Massively multiplayer online  
role-playing game)


Hi,

Has anyone here ever thought or heard about using mmorpg (Massively  
multiplayer online role-playing game)
platforms for simulating an immersive environment for language learning.

What is a mmorpg? They are essentially 3d computer games whereby  
people on the net
are able to interact in an immersive and simulated world/environment.  
Eg. Second life (http://secondlife.com/whatis/)

What would be the point? We would be able to recreate a first century  
town/country side with all the sights and sounds.
In this environment, users could interact and talk in koine greek  
(Whether by keyboard or mic). You could interact with
3d objects, learn new vocab by interacting with the objects, talk,  
etc. You would also be learning about the meaning of
words within a "more realistic 1st century context".

We could also create tasks/games for users which would require them to  
interact with their environment and practice
their language skills, etc. The opportunities really would be "endless".

We could run classes like Randall Buth does but without the barrier of  
distance. Any thoughts? Randall?

Admittetdly, it wouldn't be something that you create overnight but  
then again it would be a significant platform with a
lot of different stakeholders (colleges, (?) scholars, geeks, language  
enthusiasts, etc). While it may seem trivial/gimmicky, I think
that this technology represents a significant opportunity in creating  
a language learning environment that would help the
modern language learner to become immersed in the 1st century world.

Please comment.

Regards,
Stephen Young



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