Improving communicative competence through Virtual Simulations.

      Аннотация: Knowing how to communicate in the target language is the main goal of most language learners. Also, it is very challenging for teachers to bring real world communication experience in classroom settings where English is not the native language. Hence, in this paper I explored the role of virtual worlds in promoting communicational and collaboration opportunities to non-native speakers of English. In my research, I have described how virtual worlds improve communicative and collaborative skills of non-native speakers of English. Moreover, I have investigated how virtual worlds can create a learner centered environment where students take control of their own language production. And third, I have explored how the affordances of virtual worlds can enhance non-native English students’ communication and collaboration by engaging them in contextual and authentic environment.

Ключевые слова: Collaboration, communication, Constructivism, Context, interaction, social awareness, Zone of proximal development, student – centered, task based