Virtual+Chat-Rebecca+Gallardo

Description: Virtual chats are tied into virtual worlds and vary according to their website. Users create a character and choose all of its characteristics and can then function in the virtual world and communicate with other virtual players. The websites have games and activities to do involving these characters which may or may not require payment for membership. Security for each page varies as well, with some requiring a parent to verify by email that a child can create a membership. Examples of websites I came across for kids are below:

www.barbiegirls.com (for girls) www.clubpenguin.com (boys and girls) www.virtualfamilykingdom.com (boys and girls) www.dizzywood.com (boys and girls)

TESOL Application: Students can use their "virtual self" as a character in a fantasy or adventure story that they write. They can create the story and even get ideas from other virtual people and then write about it to practice their English skills.

My Idea: Rachel Wellman I don't know if this is possible, but it would be exciting to create a virtual world as a classroom and allow students to openly talk with one another outside of their regular setting. Some students may be shy to ask questions in class but they would ask in a "virtual classroom" because they would not feel the pressure.