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Learning effects of an experimental EFL program in Second Life

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Abstract

This paper reports on the effects an experimental English as a Foreign Language (EFL) program in Second Life (SL) had on Chinese student EFL learning. The study took an evaluative approach using quasi-experimental design with participants from one Chinese university and one American university in the southeastern United States. Results indicated significant main effects between a control group and the SL group on EFL measures, as well as significant gains in total score and several subcomponents between pre-test and post test. Further analysis using a post study survey, students’ blog posting, and interview transcripts revealed that the SL_EFL Program had a positive impact on students’ EFL learning.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, FL, USA

    Charles Xiaoxue Wang, Susan T. Hibbard & Mary L. McDowell Lefaiver

  2. Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Brendan Calandra

Authors
  1. Charles Xiaoxue Wang
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  2. Brendan Calandra
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  3. Susan T. Hibbard
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  4. Mary L. McDowell Lefaiver
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Correspondence to Charles Xiaoxue Wang.

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Wang, C.X., Calandra, B., Hibbard, S.T. et al. Learning effects of an experimental EFL program in Second Life. Education Tech Research Dev 60, 943–961 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-012-9259-0

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