NIFLAR's 3D virtual worlds provide experiences for developing intercultural communication skills. They allow for social interaction and flexible settings for functional dialogues. The virtual worlds are designed based on pedagogical principles for blended learning and experiential learning. They include authentic places in Second Life and four voice-enabled regions in OpenSimulator, such as a reception area, Spain/Valencia city, Asterix village, and Projectlandia for ad-hoc projects. Activities for learners include treasure hunts, guided tours, object-based puzzles and games to encourage interaction.

1. Experiences with NIFLAR’s 3D virtual worlds Ton Koenraad & Silvia Canto

2. Structure NIFLAR 3D worlds Recordings of university student activities

3. Sense of presence: social interaction

4. Settings for functional dialogues

5. Flexible, adaptable

6. NIFLAR requirements from first ideas to realisation

7. Design principles for NIFLAR 3D-VLE Objectives for L2 learners & (student) teachers Pedagogical principles: Pedagogy re ICC-training & assessment Blended approach Teacher Ed.: Experiential learning (competence development) Analysis of good practice ( Warburton, 2009; Molka-Danielsen & Deutchmann, 2009; Sweeney, 2009; Jauregi et al., 2009; 2010) Scalable, sustainable

8. NIFLAR’s 3D Learning Enviroments: Second Life Open Simulator

9. SL for adult students: Access to authentic places & interaction (chance meetings)

10. NIFLAR @ Second Life Launchroom

11. Instant scenes for tasks

12. Open Sim NIFLAR for secondary pupils & student teachers

13. NIFLAR OS MegaSim: Four (4) voice-enabled Regions Reception Region Spanish Region Asterix Village Region + Projectlandia

14. Reception SIM Project Home, International Meeting Area (tandem learning)

15. Spain / Valencia city (culturally specific settings)

16. Asterix village: Curriculum support for: historical topics, roleplay + perspective change

17. Projectlandia: default scenario & facilities for ad hoc projects

18. Projectlandia: Regions for future target groups, e.g. ChinaVillage

19. Tasks & activities for secondary learners - Treasure Hunt: find hidden cultural artefacts and discuss use/origin - Guided tour: Guide partner and provide cultural information

20. Object based activities (Self Access) Comics Puzzler (Info Gap: problem solving)

21. Object based activities (2) Talking Lottery Balls (Communicative Game)