Description

This immersive newsroom proposal will invite students to get familiarized with the incredible world of Virtual Reality, at the same time they are developing language skills in a real-life scenario. Students will perform an interview in this space and change their roles in pairs. By using this tool, students will reach technical proficiency by using the platform. This activity involves a variety of multimodal outputs, such as speaking production, listening reception, as others. 

It is important to note that this lesson is part of a teaching unit that will be conducted after having introduced the interview genre and its characteristics.

SWBATs

• SWBAT Navigate and Communicate Effectively in a Virtual Newsroom:

Students will proficiently use VR technology, engaging in immersive interviews where they actively listen, speak, and interact with diverse roles (interviewer, interviewee, cameraperson, support staff) to create a dynamic newsroom scenario.

• SWBAT Apply Language Skills in Realistic Interview Scenarios:

Through pair-based role-play, students will formulate questions, respond coherently, and adapt their language use to the interview genre within the VR environment, enhancing both reception and production language competencies.

• SWBAT Foster Intercultural Competence through Plurilingual Engagement:

By engaging with peers from varied linguistic and cultural backgrounds within the virtual newsroom, students will foster awareness and appreciation for diversity, promoting plurilingual and pluricultural communication competences.

Preparation 

1.Students will have been introduced to the platform and their use.

2. They will need to create an account and an avatar to identify themselves.

3. Students will get familiarized by interacting with the virtual space before starting the actual activity. 

Pre-task

Before students enter the platform, they should become familiar with it. They will be guided on how to use VR and become comfortable with it. Additionally, they will be introduced to the objectives of the activity and the materials they will use during the session.

During

Now, the students will be organized into pairs. Each person in the pair will have a role; one will be the interviewer, and the other the interviewee. Therefore, one person should prepare questions for the other. There will be a designated time for this preparation, and afterward, the roles will be switched so that both individuals can take on each role.

Before entering the platform, each student will be provided with a form where they can jot down the questions they have in mind for the interview. This will help them stay organized and focused during the interview session.

The role-playing game on the platform will be carried out pair by pair so that students can fully enjoy the entire scenario. They will have the ability to move objects and set up the environment according to their preferences. Additionally, there will be an option for other students, outside of the pairs, to participate as camerapersons or support staff.

Note: The materials will be included in the virtual space, so students do not need to take their glassess of, so the immersive experience is fullfilled and with no interruptions. 

Post-task

After the activity, students should retrieve the initial form with their questions and record the answers provided by their partner. This serves as a way to engage their memory and recall what was discussed during the interviews.