Virtual reality technology to enhance speaking, cultural understanding and overall learning experiences among efl teenage learners
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Date
2023
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Publisher
PUCE - Ibarra
Abstract
La tecnología de realidad virtual (VR) ofrece un medio inmersivo e interactivo que puede revolucionar las experiencias de aprendizaje de idiomas, especialmente para los estudiantes adolescentes de inglés como lengua extranjera. Este estudio explora el potencial de la realidad virtual para mejorar las habilidades de habla, la comprensión cultural y la participación general en el aprendizaje entre este grupo demográfico. La realidad virtual permite a los estudiantes practicar inglés conversacional en contextos simulados del mundo real mediante la recreación de entornos y escenarios auténticos. La naturaleza multisensorial de la realidad virtual y los elementos de gamificación pueden hacer que la práctica del idioma sea más atractiva y memorable. Además, las experiencias de realidad virtual pueden exponer a los alumnos a entornos culturales diversos, fomentando la conciencia y el aprecio interculturales. Este estudio utilizó una investigación de métodos mixtos que emplean métodos de recopilación de datos tanto cuantitativos como cualitativos: las clases previas y posteriores a la intervención midieron las mejoras en la competencia oral y el conocimiento cultural. Además, encuestas, entrevistas y datos de observación proporcionaron información sobre las percepciones de los estudiantes, sus niveles de motivación y sus experiencias de aprendizaje en general. Los hallazgos indican que la incorporación de actividades de realidad virtual mejoró significativamente la fluidez del habla, el uso del vocabulario y la comprensión de los participantes. Además, los alumnos demostraron una mayor sensibilidad y comprensión cultural después de participar en simulaciones culturales inmersivas.
Virtual reality (VR) technology offers an immersive and interactive medium that can revolutionize language learning experiences, particularly for EFL teenage learners. This study explores the potential of VR to enhance speaking skills, cultural understanding, and overall learning engagement among this demographic. VR allows learners to practice conversational English in simulated real-world contexts by recreating authentic environments and scenarios. The multi-sensory nature of VR and gamification elements can make language practice more engaging and memorable. Additionally, VR experiences can expose learners to diverse cultural settings, fostering cross-cultural awareness and appreciation. This study used mixed-methods research employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods—pre- and post-intervention classes measured improvements in speaking proficiency and cultural knowledge. Furthermore, surveys, interviews, and observational data provided insights into learners' perceptions, motivation levels, and overall learning experiences. The findings indicate that incorporating VR activities significantly improved participants' speaking fluency, vocabulary use, and comprehension. Moreover, learners demonstrated heightened cultural sensitivity and understanding after engaging with immersive cultural simulations. Notably, the interactive and gamified nature of VR learning environments enhanced learners' motivation, engagement, and enjoyment of the learning process. This study highlights the promising potential of VR technology in transforming language education, particularly for teenage EFL learners. By providing immersive, contextualized, and interactive learning experiences, VR can foster skill development, cultural competence, and overall learner motivation, paving the way for more effective and enjoyable language acquisition.
Virtual reality (VR) technology offers an immersive and interactive medium that can revolutionize language learning experiences, particularly for EFL teenage learners. This study explores the potential of VR to enhance speaking skills, cultural understanding, and overall learning engagement among this demographic. VR allows learners to practice conversational English in simulated real-world contexts by recreating authentic environments and scenarios. The multi-sensory nature of VR and gamification elements can make language practice more engaging and memorable. Additionally, VR experiences can expose learners to diverse cultural settings, fostering cross-cultural awareness and appreciation. This study used mixed-methods research employing both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods—pre- and post-intervention classes measured improvements in speaking proficiency and cultural knowledge. Furthermore, surveys, interviews, and observational data provided insights into learners' perceptions, motivation levels, and overall learning experiences. The findings indicate that incorporating VR activities significantly improved participants' speaking fluency, vocabulary use, and comprehension. Moreover, learners demonstrated heightened cultural sensitivity and understanding after engaging with immersive cultural simulations. Notably, the interactive and gamified nature of VR learning environments enhanced learners' motivation, engagement, and enjoyment of the learning process. This study highlights the promising potential of VR technology in transforming language education, particularly for teenage EFL learners. By providing immersive, contextualized, and interactive learning experiences, VR can foster skill development, cultural competence, and overall learner motivation, paving the way for more effective and enjoyable language acquisition.
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Keywords
Virtual reality, Speaking, Technology, Education