Second Life Certificate in Modern Languages

== Virtual learning made real

The Second Life Certificate in modern Languages has been created to address a number of issues whilst addressing the need to provide adequate recognition for Language learners within the SL platform.

If you have ever wanted to learn Japanese but have not had the chance to find a course or reach an Educational place in your real world then Second Life has a superb example of Virtual online learning for the Japanese Language.

Japanese is a complex language, containing over 1945 standard Characters in its general alphabet (Ministry of Education, Japan), in addition to two further syllabaries (Hiragana and Katakana), based around an inflectional grammar system. Whilst SL is a tricky platform for language learning, the obstacles of effectively learning this subject can be overcome, particularly where direct exposure to foreign nationals can be obtained at the touch of a button, leading to real-time exchange and a steep learning curve, particularly in spoken and typed language, the initial stages of learning are very important though.....

This platform is very lucky to have real lecturers teaching this subject, one person in particular, Mr Karlingo Lorefield, the founder of "Epithet and Synonym", is a pioneer of teaching this subject within Second Life, and has reached acclaim in the past with both Oxford and Maryland University, where his work was recognised at a number of Anthropology Conferences.

Mr Lorefield States "Learning such a language online is done immediately with the disadvantage in lack of face to face communication or body language, but with appreciation and application towards a students appropriate learning style a very productive learning curve can be obtained. I have been in SL for approximately 2.5 years and have produced 50 students whom have gone on to study at University in their local RL vicinity"

The Academic Board

The Academic Board shall be made up of qualified teachers and University Lecturers in the RL whom have/are able to provide satisfactory evidence of relevant credentials, collectively to cover all the subjects being offered under the "Second Life Certificate in Modern Languages".

Below are a list of key terms by which this body operates :

For Students :

• Certification Documentation This is an electronic record, verified by one of the accredited (see process) examining Adjudicators that the student has reached the required level, as prescribed by the Academic Board by-laws. This documented evidence is backed up via an electronic register, perusable by all.

• A guarantee That your teacher has the ability to teach at the required level, and is fully conversant in programme delivery and classroom management.

For Teachers and Lecturers :

• Satisfactory Evidence of a license to practise Can be obtained through a number of routes :

A. The provision of satisfactory evidence, via a phoncall, email or letter to the Institution to which the Lecturer works as verification of their license to practice the subject being discussed.

• and/or

B. An Interview, followed by an hour of observed live tuition, evidence of lesson plans and a scheme of work.

• Skills Certification is the administration of tests in an objective manner and documentation of those who pass.

Education developed for certification will be guided by the criteria developed for each topic but will typically cover a broader range of skills.