Intro to VR language learning workshop
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Course area:
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EAP integrated skills |
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Level: |
CEFR B1-B2 |
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Technology used: |
Oculus Rift VR Headset, HTC Vive VR Headset ImmerseMe, Oculus App “People’s House |
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Target skill(s): |
Topic-based integrated skills (speaking and listening) |
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Activity length: |
60 mins |
contributed by Rui Xu, ELC, rui.xu@xjtlu.edu.cn
Widely known as a gaming platform, Virtual Reality (VR) has quickly spread to other sectors due to its ability to deliver rich and immersive experiential learning. Today, the language learning education is fully embracing the practical usage of this technology which greatly improves student engagement in the learning process and motivation to learn the target language. VR programs could be an ideal supplement to the learning of the topics-based input in addition to EAP in-class practice.
The main highlight of this workshop is VR ImmerseMe. ImmerseMe is a VR tool that students use to practice and improve language fluency and accuracy in a real-life scenario without feeling self-conscious in front of a native speaker. The students can complete the scenarios that interest them in order to assist their auditory, oral and vocabulary abilities. Some of the themes in ImmerseMe used in this workshop match the curriculum topics covered in EAP in-class speaking activities or presentations, such as technology, debating skills and social media.
Aims:
- Introduce students to the virtual language learning environment.
- Improve students’ integrated skills (e.g., listening, speaking and group discussion).
- Enhance students’ engagement and build up their confidence for speaking activities.
Set-ups:
Software: ImmerseMe VR/ The People’s House/ Trip to MoMA
Create an account in Oculus App Store/ STEAM App Store and pre-install these apps on the VR-ready PC/laptop.
Picture 1 & 2. ImmerseMe VR & Steam VR App Store
Hardware: Oculus Rift /HTC Vive Headsets
The teacher needs to set up the VR stations (VR headsets) and logs into Oculus App store/ Steam to have the software set up ready for the session. It is also advised to clear the ground around the VR stations to avoid possible safety issues as the highly-immersive devices will block students' view.
Software
ImmerseMe
Trip to MoMA
People’s House
ImmerseMe
ImmerseMe
File(s) to download
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Download Virtual Reality Language Learning Workshop worksheet.docx
Virtual Reality Language Learning Workshop worksheet.docx Details
- Wednesday, 16 February 2022 [58.8KB]
Procedure:
Step 1: Warm-up discussion
- A casual discussion about students’ past VR encounters and their expectations of VR Language Learning (VRLL).
- The teacher briefly introduces VR technology and
Step 2: VR experience
Students take turns to try out the ImmerseMe experience under tutors’ guidance. Students can easily self-navigate the system and learning process.
ImmerseMe creates an immersive, student-centered, intercultural communication about EAP curriculum themes to enable learner autonomy while enhancing students’ academic listening and speaking skills.
Picture 3 & 4: Students using VR
Step 3: Post-experience group discussion - Pros and Cons of VR language learning experiences
Possible informal debate in pairs:
- Read a short article on the “Pros and Cons of VR in education”;
- Summarize main arguments from the article;
- Students form their own “pros and cons” arguments (integrate information from the article) and report to their partners
Step 4: VR playground (optional)
After discussion activities, students can feel free to try out other VR experiences: People’s House VR/ Trip to MoMA/ explore historical sites (Mount Rushmore)
Caveats and alternatives:
Set-ups may be complicated due to unfamiliarity with VR’s potential. The VR lab plans to offer introductory and training workshops to help tutors who intend to incorporate VR technology into their teaching practices.
Alternatively, most of the VR language learning applications and software have developed low-immersive mobile Apps. For example, students can also practice desktop-VR ImmerseMe on their laptops.