Determining the design principles of the three-dimensional virtual learning environment for foreign language learning

Three-dimensional virtual worlds, known as metaverses today, have been in educational practices since the beginning of the 2000s. Thanks to the current technological conditions, these platforms, which are thought to have a permanent place in educational practices compared to the past, are thought to offer an effective virtual learning environment in foreign language learning especially for the generation Z, which has grown up with technology. In this context, the aim of the research is to determine the design principles of a three-dimensional virtual learning environment enriched with gamification elements that are thought to support the English learning of generation Z students in face-to-face and distance education. In the research in which the mixed research method was used, the opinions of students, teachers and experts were consulted. The study group of the research consists of 245 secondary school students, 59 English teachers and 10 experts. Quantitative data of the research were obtained through a questionnaire developed for students; qualitative data were collected through a questionnaire developed for teachers and a semi-structured interview form developed for experts. In the research, findings related to the characteristics and opinions of the target audience regarding the design of the virtual learning environment, the visual design, the platform design, the content design, and the technical features were obtained. In the light of these findings, the design principles of the three-dimensional virtual learning environment for foreign language learning were revealed. Some of these principles are; a user-friendly and simple interface design should be adopted, multidimensional interaction should be offered, activities that allow the development of English language skills, especially vocabulary and speaking skills, should be designed, and a mobile application should be offered.