Have you heard colleagues talking about “XR” and “AR”, but felt a little lost about what the terms actually mean? Maybe you’ve wondered how the use of new Virtual Reality headsets could translate into a practical application in your second language classrooms?
Well, this blog post has the answer to all those questions and also provides a one-stop guide to Extended Reality (XR) for language teachers. This is a powerful toolkit of technologies with the potential to transform the way we learn and teach languages. So let’s explore how language educators could use XR to transform their classrooms into an immersive and engaging world of language acquisition.
What are these new technologies?
It’s probably a safe guess that many readers of this post will be unfamiliar with these technologies and their potential application to learning. So let’s start with some definitions and we’ll build from there!
Extended Reality or XR: This is the umbrella term for all technologies that alter our perception of reality. XR blurs the lines between the physical world and the digital world by adding digital elements or completely immersing us in a virtual one. It includes both AR and VR as detailed below.
Augmented Reality or AR: AR overlays digital information and objects onto the real world. Pokemon Go is, for example, a good example of this technology, which sees game players “catch” virtual creatures on their phone screen that appear to be in the real world around you. AR uses your phone’s camera or a special headset to blend the digital and physical worlds.
Virtual Reality or VR: This technology creates a completely immersive and simulated environment. Imagine yourself wearing a headset that transports you to a different world, like a rainforest or a spaceship. VR environments are typically self-contained and don’t take into account the real world around you.
How can XR technologies support language teaching?
Although these technologies are new and still in their infancy, there‘s clear initial evidence that they can bring something different to the world of language learning. The following three advantages are most relevant.
1. Immersion and engagement
As detailed above, VR completely replaces a user’s view with a computer-generated environment. This could potentially be deployed to transport your students into a bustling French market, which has been meticulously recreated in VR. Suddenly they bump into someone they know and are required to engage in an L2 conversation. This offers a unique language learning experience, immersing students in French culture and offering a chance to practise their conversational skills.
AR, on the other hand, seamlessly blends the digital and physical worlds. Picture your students venturing into a local bakery. As they hold their phones up to a croissant, a holographic display appears, translating the description into their native language and providing the pronunciation with a simple tap. This contextual learning fosters a deeper understanding of vocabulary and its real-world application.
2. Increased motivation
Learning a language doesn’t have to feel like a chore. XR can inject a dose of excitement and fun into the process. VR platforms can gamify language acquisition, transforming tedious drills into interactive quests. Perhaps your students could embark on a virtual treasure hunt through a Mayan temple, solving riddles and deciphering clues in Spanish to move forward. Each puzzle solved unlocks new vocabulary and grammar concepts, keeping students motivated to learn.
Furthermore, VR experiences can foster a sense of community and social interaction. Picture a virtual Spanish cafe teeming with students from around the world. They order tapas, chat with fellow learners, and build their conversational fluency in a relaxed and supportive environment.
3. Authentic language practice
Exposing students to native speakers is crucial for language acquisition, but this isn’t easy or practical for all learners. In these settings, VR can be really helpful, giving learners the chance to interact with virtual characters voiced by native speakers. Imagine a student practising their Japanese with a friendly virtual sushi chef, learning culinary vocabulary and proper etiquette while ordering a delicious meal. Furthermore, this personalised approach can be tailored to cater to individual learning preferences and allows for targeted practice based on specific needs.
Disadvantages and challenges of XR technologies
Recognising the above, it is also important to identify that the adoption of such new technologies could prove challenging in formal language learning environments. Here are some factors to bear in mind.
1. Cost and accessibility
The cost of VR headsets can be a significant barrier to entry for both educators and learners. High-quality VR experiences often require powerful computers and specialised equipment, representing a substantial upfront investment. Additionally, setting up and using VR technology can involve technical hurdles for those unfamiliar with the process. Troubleshooting software issues or ensuring proper compatibility between devices can be time-consuming and frustrating for educators.
2. Content quality & availability
While popular languages like English, French, and Spanish are likely to have a wide range of XR experiences available, educators of lesser-taught languages might face challenges finding suitable content. This can limit the scope of XR integration in their classrooms. Additionally, the quality of VR experiences can be uneven. Educators need to carefully evaluate VR content before incorporating it into their curriculum, ensuring it’s engaging, well-designed and aligns with their learning objectives.
3. Health and safety
Using VR for extended periods can lead to motion sickness, dizziness and eye strain for some users. Educators therefore need to be mindful of these potential side effects and include breaks during VR activities. Additionally, VR experiences can be physically demanding, requiring users to navigate virtual environments or interact with objects. This might not be suitable for all learners, and educators should consider individual limitations when incorporating VR into their lessons.
But by acknowledging these challenges and implementing best practices, educators can navigate the exciting yet complex world of XR in language learning and harness its full potential. Our thoughts on how best to practically do that follow below.
Best practices and pedagogical considerations
While the potential of XR is undeniable, it’s still evolving, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Start by exploring free VR experiences or AR apps to get started and see how XR can enhance your classroom. Be sure to consider the following as you jump in and start to explore the possibilities.
1. Have a clear learning purpose
While VR’s immersive capabilities are enticing, educators must prioritise clear learning objectives. Don’t get swept away by the novelty; always ensure that VR activities really address specific language skills you’re targeting. Think of VR as a powerful tool for reinforcement and practice, seamlessly integrated with traditional language instruction.
2. Prioritise quality engagement
For XR to be truly effective, the experiences must be engaging, well-designed, and tailored to specific learning goals. The only way that educators can know this is to work through each resource themselves before letting students explore. Furthermore, it’s particularly important for educators to retain 100% control of the lesson whilst students are using XR tools – it can otherwise be easy to allow them to wander aimlessly without careful control.
3. Accessibility & Equity
While cost may present a barrier for some schools, it’s important for educators to consider how suitable the tools might be for each student. Aside from the possible health issues outlined above, these tools are unlikely to be beneficial for novice or very young learners. The tools might also be better suited to some activities than others – carefully consider their use and don’t forget to consider assessment in your preparation. Traditional teaching methods won’t translate seamlessly to a virtual learning environment.
And finally, but perhaps most importantly, it’s vital to remember that while XR tools offer a wealth of benefits, they shouldn’t replace human interaction. Traditional classroom activities that promote discussions, debates and social interaction remain vital for language learning. Students need opportunities to practise their communication skills in real-time, navigate cultural nuances through non-verbal cues, and receive immediate feedback from a human instructor. VR experiences, with their focus on immersive scenarios, do not always provide these elements in the same way.
Have you experimented with XR tools in your language classroom? Share your experiences and insights with us via our X/Twitter account at https://x.com/SanakoOy