230812 Englisch: Professional English in Second Life, level B1+ and higher (S) (SoSe 2012)

Be part of a revolutionary new way to study English Online!!!

Learn English from the comfort of ANYWHERE, and have a unique experience in the emerging world of the virtual classroom. All instruction takes place in the online-platform “Second Life”, and therefore the majority of the courses can be attended from anywhere with an Internet connection. The class concept is centered on the advanced simulations of challenges one may encounter in a real-life working environment. During the process, students will encounter the simulation of various situations - anywhere from a job interview to team building exercises and business plans. This course relies heavily on cooperative group work, which springs from self-driven preparation. Therefore the methods and settings used in this unique class are not only relevant for those involved in business, but also for those involved in project work in an academic, workplace or social context.


Even though this course is aimed at students of Business, Management and Economics looking to increase their professional English skills, this class is fitting for anyone interested in improving their English for project and team work scenarios (i.e. project management, collaborative research, marketing etc.). The goal of the course is to help students gain more confidence in various types of English conversations and general experiences one may encounter in his or her professional life and to help student improve their performance and confidence when giving talks and presentations. Anyone from any academic discipline interested in improving their workplace, situational and general English skills would benefit from this unique virtual classroom and simulation experience.


Because the instruction takes place in the online-platform “Second Life”, the first two meetings will be an introduction to registering for Second Life and the online Learning Platform Moodle, which is the platform used by “Talkademy”, our contracted partner in this class offering. Additionally, tutoring on handling the Second-Life-figure, your Avatar, customizing the look and the general workings of the program will be offered. The last class will be a discussion on what we have learned and an evaluation of the pedagogical medium, along with a presentation of what you have produced in the virtual world.

Classes are offered exclusively by native-speaking English instructors, and each instructor is responsible for a mini group of up to 8 students. Students can attend classes remotely from home or any location as long as they participate online, with exception to the introductory classes and closing session, which require mandatory attendance. However, computers are provided for use by those students that either have no computer or prefer to come to the university for the class.

For more information please contact donovan.babin@uni-bielefeld.de.

Requirements for participation, required level

English knowledge Level B1+ and higher. Completion of B1 class or proof of result on Language Level Test, (for details please see http://www.uni-bielefeld.de/fachsprachenzentrum/tests.html).