Language Learning in a VR

Atsuko, a Japanese university student from a small town in central Japan, cannot presently attend classes (we all know why). She does have a fascination with English and a desire to learn, but it's tough to study on your own. So what to do? #VR of course.

Of the four skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking) the last one is the hardest to do on your own. For speaking, as a language learner, you need time with a teacher or a language partner. This is especially difficult in an EFL setting such as Japan. But the VR can be seen as an equalizer in that a learner like Atsuko can be in a small town, without internet connectivity, and still find enjoyment and satisfaction in a language learning session.

The VR can not, and should not, replace all facets of learning, but it does provide distinct benefits which can enhance the experience. For example, a learner can gain a sense of time and presence unmatched by other learning aids. When watching the video, you will see a very natural use of gestures because the environment warrants that. At the end, Atsuko even says "thank-you" to the bank teller, although that is not scripted. An imaged scenario just doesn't offer the same sense of being there and interacting with someone. With the VR, distractions are removed and there is an ability to concentrate deeply on the topic at hand. Atsuko's speech is corrected and encouragement is offered (and happily received!) when utterances are deemed to be appropriate and understandable. And a learner can work within these scenes as often as desired, to turn satisfactory responses into fluent ones. The VR never tires of hearing the same sentence over and over again (just keep that battery charged!). The benefits are real, and plentiful.

When looking at this ELL series from @VeativeLabs, you will find that it includes:

• 104 lessons/scenarios spread over 4 levels (banking is only one of these)
• approximately 10,000 words of content within the series
• 110 short sentences
• 1,000 words as keywords and phrases
• 48 pronunciation items
• 400 vocabulary terms
• quiz feature (assessment)
• large variety of voices, characters, and ages

Why so much? We have to keep Atsuko busy! Besides keeping her busy, we need to keep her engaged and motivated to keep learning. From the reaction at the end of the video, I don't think Atsuko will be done with learning in the VR anytime soon. #arvrinedu