Cypris Chat Introduction Presentation

This is an introduction to Cypris Chat. It can be used by our members to practice giving presentations. Everyone is welcome to use this presentation to promote virtual world language learning.

Learn more about Cypris Chat at http://cyprischat.org

1. “Learning should be a way of life instead of a struggle to achieve” -- Mike McKay / Professor Merryman

2. What is virtual world language learning? “An online multiplayer environment used for engaging students in active realistic learning otherwise not possible in a traditional classroom.” - Mike McKay “Cypris Chat helped me pass my teacher’s exam.” – Kazy Dover, Chiba Japan “I passed my UBELT exam. Thank you Cypris.” – Lio Lombardia , Bulgaria “I passed pre-intermediate English.” - Lora Tachikawa, Poland Diner Role Play Second Life + Moodle = SLOODLE

3. How can I practice speaking English? Meet the world. Yuki Yamashita University student Lives in Japan Has never been abroad Has never really spoken to a foreigner She wants to learn about world cultures and speak to foreigners in English. She knows it will help her get a job. “Educationalists need to embrace the idea that environment and interaction are inseparable.” -- Simon Bignell Lisa Marbach Anonymous name Mistakes are ok She can feel relaxed She can dress however she likes She can meet friends around the world She can visit many places and talk to foreigners She can come and go 24 hours a day 7 days a week IT’S FREE! Virtual worlds give students the chance to explore, create, and experiment.

4. What is Second life tm ? Second Life is a three-dimensional virtual community created entirely by its membership. Members assume an identity and take up residence in Second Life, creating a customized avatar, or personage, to represent themselves. The avatar moves about in the virtual world using mouse control and intuitive keyboard buttons . – Wise Geek “It's a bit like The Matrix. We provide the land, and the community builds the actual world, which gives everyone a huge sense of being pioneers in a great experiment.” --Philip Rosedale, Second Life Creator

5. Why do we need it? Virtual world language learning It relieves some of the pressure to achieve results, and makes acquisition of the language meaningful and rewarding. Students have freedom to live in the language. Limited time to practice Pressured to perform A need for accomplishment One of the greatest disasters of the Japanese English education system is the lack of speaking and listening practice.  But with the ever looming “Entrance Exams,” it’s always a question of  how? -- Zach Price, Hyogo Times

6. What is Cypris Chat? Cypris Chat is a virtual world English learning community. Our purpose is to provide English learners with the opportunity to practice speaking English with people from around the world. "As a researcher and instructor in Cypris, I have found no better place to try out new lesson plans and meet interesting, motivated learners from around the world." -- DukeVan Acker (Jean-Paul Duquette , Kansai Gaidai University) Park Community Center Cypris Village III

7. Mission and Principles "Without rules, we all might as well be up in a tree flinging our crap at each other" - Red Forman, That 70s Show Share After joining our family, members should find ways to share what they have learned or done in Second Life. Tell us where you have been, what you have seen. Show us your safe toys, clothes, avatars and gadgets. Sharing promotes communication. Respect Second Life is very different from real life, but it is real for many of us. We all come from different cultures, different backgrounds and with different reasons for spending time in SL. We might not understand each other but we both have the same goal, to learn or teach. Respond Share your opinions about Cypris. Let us know what you think. Help us make this community a better place for you. Your feedback is what makes Cypris so great. Your opinion matters the most. Help each other with learner/teacher feedback. Communicate mistakes and successes. Be Active Speak. Talk. Ask questions. Say something. We are not passive learners, we are active! In order to improve, we must practice. To practice we must participate. To participate we must SPEAK! Less text chat and more voice chat. We are here to help our members improve their ability to communicate in English. Our Mission We strive to provide an educational yet fun and interesting environment for English learning and teaching. Our members have the chance to be part of a living community surrounded by others who are learning, teaching or simply interested in speaking English with people from around the world. We believe learning should be a way of life instead of a struggle to achieve. Our 4 Principles

8. A Taste of what we do Chat Ring 12 Speaking Participants (orange chairs) 8 Observers (blue seats) Hands Across Sims 16 countries holding hands Like Hands Across America

9. A Taste of what we do Murder Mystery Who killed Mr. Jameson? Based on Let’s Talk 3 (Cambridge Press) Halloween Party 50 avatars…many countries Costume contest, maze, haunted house

10. A Taste of what we do Fishing and Chat Contest…who can catch the most fish? Thanksgiving Dress up in Thanksgiving attire. Learn about Thanksgiving.

11. How can I learn more? Join Second Life http://secondlife.com Download and install FREE viewer application Open viewer. Log in with avatar name and password Search and teleport to Cypris Village III Founded in 2008, Cypris Chat is the largest international English learning community in the virtual world. Our purpose is to create more opportunities for learners to practice speaking English while meeting and learning about cultures around the globe. Visit us in Second Life! http://cyprischat.org You must explore, experiment, and above all… PLAY ! Join http://secondlife.com Meet and talk to people about what it has to offer. The world is there waiting to speak with you.

12. Thank you!