Second Language Acquisition Motivator - SLAM!
Learning to speak a new language can be FUN! It can also be extremely hard and at some point even the most determined student feels that practice is a chore and they can't retain anything.
Language teachers recognise the value of games in motivating their students and turning the 'chores' back into fun! The Second Language Acquisition Motivator (SLAM) system uses methods adapted from video games to help students practice and internalise language.
Just like the highly successful The Sims® games, the SLAM system puts the language learner in the position of having to manage various 'needs' of their avatar in the Second Life® virtual world. Players are exposed to language in a meaningful context and must use the target language to advance in the game.
The SLAM game system currently provides language content and practice for ordering drinks and for casual conversation in Spanish. If you want to use the SLAM system to practice socialising in Spanish follow these step-by-step instructions.
In order to use the SLAM game system you need to have a Second Life account... it's quick and easy to get and it's FREE! If you don't have an account then click on the Second Life icon (right) which will take you to the Second Life page, where you should click on the 'Join Now' link.
When you have a Second Life account go to the Linguisticarium where the SLAM system can be obtained.