Supplementing Self-Access Learning for an English Language Centre through Virtual Platforms

This chapter investigates discussions in Hong Kong universities regarding the expanding role of Self-Access Centres (SACs) in expounding the extended responsibilities of language centres. In particular, the authors consider the Centre for Independent Language Learning (CILL) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and its place within the English Language Centre (ELC) and the university-at-large as the local tertiary system adopts a change in its Undergraduate curriculum starting in the 2012/2013 academic year. In preparation to accommodate a potential influx of students and the possibility of classroom space issues, a Virtual (Second Life) Self-Access Centre (VSAC) project is being developed to help supplement the existing SACs, providing an alternative solution for students to learn independently in a safe, interactive and stimulating environment. Research on other electronic self-access centres has been conducted, including visitations to online (and, where possible, physical) SACs from universities locally and globally, and SACs built in Second Life and other virtual worlds. This initial enquiry evinced 1) general online SACs as being flat, static web platforms that do provide some level of interaction, yet primarily behave as navigational panes rather than as rich, immersive environments; 2) physical SACs as having a more personable appeal, yet being restrictive in their visitation hours; 3) Second Life self-access learning as taking on a less traditional meaning. Using theoretical principles to underscore discussion surrounding the ELC VSAC project, this study attempts to explore the possibility of further expanding the contemporary SACs and swaying the current debate into the domain of virtual platforms.