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Gather Town is like Zoom, but cooler because it gives user a visual of where everyone is hanging out in the virtual space. Students can move around, chat with people nearby, and basically act like student's at a real event. It's super easy to jump into small chats or join big group discussions, just like in real life. Unlike Zoom's breakout rooms, Gather.Town lets user wander around freely, pick a spot, and start mingling with others.
There are several advantages of Gather Town.
1. Free for Small Teams. Gather Town offers free access for small teams, making it an affordable option for organizations with limited budgets.
2. Easy to Implement. Implementing Gather Town is straightforward and user-friendly.
3. No Coding Needed. Unlike some other virtual collaboration platforms that require coding knowledge for customization, Gather Town offers a code-free experience. Users can easily configure virtual environments, customize avatars, and integrate interactive elements without the need for programming skills.
4. No Additional Tools or Hardware Necessary. Gather Town operates entirely within web browsers, eliminating the need for users to install additional software or purchase specialized hardware.
5. Highly Customizable. One of the key advantages of Gather Town is its high level of customization. Users can tailor virtual environments to suit their specific needs, incorporating branding elements, interactive features, and layout designs that align with their organizational preferences.
6. Authentic Office “Feel”. Gather Town replicates the experience of being in a physical office environment, creating a sense of familiarity and connectedness among team members.
7. Several Tool Functionalities in One. Gather Town consolidates multiple functionalities into a single platform, offering a comprehensive solution for virtual collaboration and communication. From interactive meetings and presentations to informal networking and team-building activities.
Also there are some disadvantages of this platform.
1. Gimmicky Graphics. Some people might not take Gather Town seriously because of its fun and playful graphics. This could lead to skepticism or doubts about its usefulness for serious work or meetings.
2. Privacy Concerns. It took some of our team members a while to feel confident about the privacy and security of their data when using Gather Town. This might be a concern for others too, especially if they're sharing sensitive information or having important discussions on the platform.
3. Dependence on Stable Internet Connection. To get the most out of Gather Town, you need a reliable internet connection. If your internet is slow or unstable, it can cause disruptions and make it difficult to participate fully in meetings or activities on the platform.
The impact of this app/platform for ELT is firstly Gather Town facilitates collaborative learning experiences by enabling students to work together on projects, presentations, and language tasks in virtual teams. Secondly, in Gather Town, instructors can provide real-time feedback and support to students during language activities and interactions. Thirdly, students can engage in spontaneous conversations, group discussions, and collaborative activities, honing their speaking, listening, and interpersonal communication skills.
Applying gather town in ELT class can be ny organize interactive language workshops or seminars in Gather Town where students can engage in group discussions, presentations, and language activities. Another way is by conduct live language classes in Gather Town's virtual classrooms. Customize the virtual space to resemble a traditional classroom environment, complete with desks, whiteboards, and seating arrangements.
