VR Apps for language learning
Various VR apps aid in language learning. Some apps place you in realistic simulations, such as a street in Paris or a café in Spain. You can then practice your language skills by interacting with native speakers. Other VR apps use gamification to make learning a new language more fun.
Here are some popular VR apps that will make language learning fun and engaging:
Effects of FOV on VR Performance
When researchers are selecting the right VR headset for academic research, they often forget all about the FOV of the VR headset.
FOV or Field of View, is very important for Virtual Reality headsets because it tells us how much we can see in VR. However, a higher FOV doesn’t necessarily mean a good experience. A dynamic field of view can make the target/object look smaller. A lower FOV can make the objects zoomed in and much easier to see.
VR Schools for language learning
In addition to VR apps, you can also find VR schools that offer language-learning courses. These schools use VR to provide an immersive and interactive learning experience. Here are some popular VR schools for language learning:
Partnering with Immerse VR, the University of Sheffield offers a VR course for English learners. Students can immerse themselves in realistic simulations, such as a city street or an office, and learn English through interactions with native speakers.
The VR course is designed to help students learn faster and more effectively. On top of this, it’s also a lot of fun!
International students in Simon Fraser University’s VR English program can learn to speak English fluently through a language learning app—without ever leaving their home country.
Using VR technology, the university’s VR English program offers an immersive and interactive learning experience. Learn at your own pace in a virtual environment and get feedback from a well-qualified English tutor.
University de La Sabana
University de La Sabana in Colombia uses VR to help medical students learn human anatomy. The VR course offers a realistic and interactive learning experience. And it’s designed to help students learn faster and retain more information.
Let’s say you’re a medical student who wants to learn human anatomy. You can don a VR headset and be transported to a virtual lab, where you’ll learn about the human body—without ever having to physically dissect a cadaver.
The Benefit of learning a language using VR
The use of VR in language learning has many benefits, such as:
#1. Increased engagement
Virtual reality increases student engagement because it immerses them in the learning experience. When students are engaged, they’re more likely to pay attention and learn the material.
Think about it—if you were transported to a different country and had to learn the language to survive, you would be more engaged than if you were just sitting in a classroom.
Even if you’re not in a life-or-death situation, VR is still more engaging than traditional learning methods. Humans are visual learners, so VR is a great way to learn a new language.
#2. Improved retention
Student retention is more likely to improve with VR because it allows for repeated exposure to materials. When constantly exposed to a material, you’re more likely to learn and remember it.
It is particularly true for vocabulary words. If you’re repeatedly exposed to a word, you will always remember it. But if you only see it once, there is a tendency that you will forget it.
#3. Greater motivation
Many students find traditional learning methods, such as sitting in a classroom, boring. But with VR, learning can be fun and interactive. And when learning is fun, students are more likely to be motivated to learn.
For example, if you’re learning a language for an upcoming trip, you’ll be more motivated to learn the material than if you’re just learning for the sake of learning.
VR is used to reward students for their progress. A pattern can be created that if students complete a task, they’re transported to a virtual world where they can explore and have fun. It is a great way to keep students motivated.
#4. It helps the educational system
The education system is changing, and VR plays a significant role in that change. More and more schools and universities are using VR to improve the educational system.
For example, VR can be used to create virtual laboratories. It is especially beneficial for medical students.
Imagine having a history class where you’re transported back in time and can experience history first-hand. That is the power of VR in education.
So back to the question, can you learn a new language using VR?