学生(Student 5)

How do we effectively learn Japanese with VR?

VR chat obviously has its benefits in learning languages by connecting you with native speakers, but the Mondly app was surprisingly good! It could be used to learn the phrases before going to VR chat or other games and actually practicing. Both wouldn't be able to compete with actual face-to-face practice, but in the world we are living in now it is definitely a way to introduce more contact with the target language!

What are VR's pros and cons?

A big pro I can think of is that in multiplayer games while using an avatar, it is really easy to speak without fear of embarrassment or making mistakes. The games and cool VR world is of course useful in motivating students, but I think that anonymity in a way can also be beneficial!

As for cons, we cannot see facial expressions, mouths moving, and sometimes there is just nobody online who wants to practice Japanese/English (I'm still new to VR chat and other games so maybe I'm looking in the wrong places, but I found an English-Japanese language learning VR chat room that was fun and friendly!). If it is paired with traditional language learning then it would be perfect for casual practice.

Do you have any concerns?

Mostly worried about stepping on my cats. I see that many are feeling motion sick. In my case, I am not feeling motion sick at all leading to an extended amount of time with the headset on. Which can't be good for my eyes. Luckily it needs to be charged after 2 hours.