Practicing English Conversation for EFL Students in an Online 3D Virtual World

Many scholars hold the view that EFL (English as a Foreign Language) learners have very limited opportunities to engage in a real English context. This paper presents results of a study about practicing English conversation, in written form, through text-based chat. The chat was undertaken in a computer-based 3D virtual world. This paper also covers the students’ perception towards the online 3D virtual world for practicing English. By employing single subject experimental design, the results show that practicing English conversation through an online 3D virtual world can improve students’ English written communication content. This study also suggests that students have positive perception towards online 3D virtual world as a platform for practicing English conversation. The implication of this study and suggestion for further research are discussed.