Users

The users for my tool would be EFL learners - that is international students who have come to the UK to learn English. Some intend to progress to undergraduate/postgraduate study, some want to improve their language for study reasons in their country, for work or as a hobby.

Most are from Asia from countries such as Japan, Korea and China. The majority chose the UK in order to improve their speaking and listening ability.

Ages vary but most are in their 20's and 30's and are therefore reasonably familiar with digital technology. However, depending on their country of origin, I would not say that they are all digital natives.

Currently they are confident using email and search functions on the internet. They regularly use facebook and other social networking sites. They can upload pictures, download MP3's and engage in text chat online. None have used SecondLife although some do use role-play games on X-box or PS3.

Positives:

They can use facebook so should be comfortable using this as a platform for language work before access SL.

Most are familiar with avatars.

Most enjoy gaming in some form.

Most are motivated to improve their spoken language and want 'chat' time

Constraints:

I think the 'clunky' graphics and movements of SL could put off some ss. 
The audio function needs to work well for ss to hear each other clearly. 
They need computers, internet access and a headset - which is very difficult to find at the University. 
Most prefer to work with a native speaker, not other EFL learners.

If somehow I could combine music or video into the tool I think that would be very motivating. I would definitely like to have some form of word pad where vocab is recorded by the group pre and post discussion - this will hopefully lead to a community of inquiry.