List of VR Benefits
1. Immersive Learning Environment: Virtual reality provides an immersive learning experience that is more engaging than traditional methods of language learning. Learners are put in a virtual world where they can practice speaking the language, interact with others in the target language, and better understand the nuances of the language.
2. Accessibility and Convenience: Learners can access a virtual reality language learning environment anytime, anywhere. This makes learning more convenient and accessible for those who might otherwise have difficulty accessing traditional language learning resources.
3. Increased Motivation: With the immersive environment of virtual reality, language learning is more enjoyable and motivating. Learners are more likely to return to the language learning environment and stay engaged in the learning process.
4. Practical Application: With virtual reality, language learners can practice their language skills in a realistic environment. This allows them to learn how to use their language skills in real-world situations.
5. Increased Memory Retention: Studies have shown that language learners retain more content when using virtual reality, as compared to traditional methods of language learning. This is due to the sense of immersion that is created in the virtual reality environment, which helps to better engage the learner and enhance their memory retention.
Benefits Discussion
Kaplan-Rakowski and Gruber study the level of engagement from Virtual Reality, noting it provides a motivating immersive, and engaging learning experience. With it, learners can practice speaking the language, interact with others in the target language, and better understand the culture of the language, with English as a Second Language (ESL) comparisons to support this VR benefit. With the immersive environment of Virtual Reality, language learning is more enjoyable and motivating. Learners are more likely to return to the language learning environment and stay engaged in the learning process.
Uzoma et al. assessed Virtual Reality and highlighted the importance its Accessibility and Convenience. Learners with the equipment can access a virtual reality language learning environment anytime, anywhere. VR makes learning more convenient and accessible for language learners as it removes the difficulty in accessing culture and heritage sites. However, inclusion can be challenging when resources are limited. Although consumers more commonly own VR headsets, the gap in relevant content is the focus of this course. There is plenty of VR content for gaming, entertainment, and nature, but more language learning is needed.
Bonner et al. 2020 pointed out that language learners retain more content when using Virtual Reality than traditional language learning methods. Increased memory retention is a beneficial benefit for learning. This enhanced retention is due to the sense of immersion created in the virtual reality environment, which helps engage the learner better and improve their memory retention. With virtual Reality, language learners can practice their language skills in a realistic environment.