学生4(Student 4)

How do we effectively learn Japanese with VR?

I think this app already does a great job of providing language learners with the basic tools that we would need when we are first trying it out. The speech to text and translation functions are very useful and it is a very effective way for practicing listening, speaking and reading at the same time. Personally, I have never tried VR before so it was a fascinating experience and I see a lot of potential with the implementation of such technology in aiding language learning. In my opinion, the most effective way of incorporating VR into our studies is to practice with it at least once per week in a private space so we are not distracted by other users. It would be most beneficial if there is a way to have its lessons aligned with our textbook or learning material because its difficulty levels are not precise enough.

What are VR's pros and cons?

One of the most essential benefits of VR is that it allows us to practice Japanese in an integrated setting where we can experience real-life scenarios rather than simply learning the "theoretical" way of how people talk. The settings and conversations are more natural and similar to what we would likely encounter if we were to visit Japan. Moreover, VR allows us to practice by ourselves and it can also ease some pressure as compared to practicing with a real person. Another pro is that it is very fun and entertaining at the same time, which can enhance students' enthusiasm. However, there are a few cons associated with VR language learning as well. First, it requires expensive technology and setup which may not be affordable for many students. Second, the microphone may not be able to detect your voice accurately every time, so there are often cases where you would have trouble continuing the conversation in the way you have intended. Lastly, it can be straining on the eyes if you were to use it continuously for a long time. Overall, I think it is a great way to practice Japanese privately, but there are a few issues that can arise if we were to use it in a classroom setting.