A Review of Virtual Reality-Based Language Learning Apps

  1. Berns, Anke 1
  2. Reyes Sánchez, Salvador 1
  1. 1 Universidad de Cádiz
    info

    Universidad de Cádiz

    Cádiz, España

    ROR https://ror.org/04mxxkb11

Journal:
RIED: revista iberoamericana de educación a distancia

ISSN: 1138-2783

Year of publication: 2021

Issue Title: Monográfico. Tecnologías avanzadas para afrontar el reto de la innovación educativa

Volume: 24

Issue: 1

Pages: 159-177

Type: Article

DOI: 10.5944/RIED.24.1.27486 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openOpen access editor

More publications in: RIED: revista iberoamericana de educación a distancia

Abstract

Research in the area of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) has shown that the use of mobile devices such as smartphones may offer multiple opportunities for supporting foreign language learning. In addition, the development and increasing accessibility of emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR) has opened new perspectives in the area of MALL, paving the way for a new research field called virtual reality assisted language learning (VRALL). In this context, the present study aims to identify the trends as well as challenges of VRALL by analysing the most popular of the currently available VR apps that can be downloaded from commercial platforms such as Google Play Store and App Store. However, results suggest that most of the retrieved apps are not specifically designed for foreign language learning, although they can be used for such a purpose. Furthermore, very few of the apps explore the real potential of VR, either providing novel teaching and learning approaches and new types of interaction, or offering novel learning scenarios that could allow the learner to experience a greater sense of immersion and thus facilitate the process of language immersion and language acquisition.

Bibliographic References

  • Andujar, A., & Buchner, J. (2019). The potential of 3D virtual reality (VR) for language learning: an overview. In I. A. Sanchez, P. Isaias, P. Ravesteijn & G. Ongena (Eds.), Proceedings of the 15th International Conference Mobile Learning 2019 (pp. 153-156). IADIS. https://doi.org/10.33965/ml2019_201903R002
  • Berns, A., González-Pardo, A., & Camacho, D. (2013). Game-like language learning in 3-D virtual environments. Computers & Education, 60(1), 210-220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2012.07.001
  • Berns, A., Mota, J. M., Ruiz-Rube, I., & Dodero, J. M. (2018). Exploring the potential of a 360º video application for foreign language learning. In F. J. García-Peñalvo (Ed.), TEEM’18. Proceedings of the Sixth International Conference on Technological Ecosystems for Enhancing Multiculturality (pp. 776-780). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3284179.3284309
  • Berns, A., Ruiz-Rube, I., Mota, J. M., Dodero, J. M., Castro, E., Ryynanen, O., & Werner, L. (2019). “Let’s date!” A 360-degree video application to support foreign language learning. In F. Meunier, J. Van de Vyver, L. Bradley & S. Thouësny (Eds.), CALL and complexity – short papers from EUROCALL 2019 (pp. 39-44). Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2019.38.983
  • Chavez, B., & Bayona S. (2018). Virtual Reality in the Learning Process. In Á Rocha, H. Adeli, L. Reis & S. Costanzo (Eds.), Trends and Advances in Information Systems and Technologies. WorldCIST’18 2018 (pp. 1345-1356). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77712-2_129
  • Christoforou, M., Xerou, E., & Papadima-Sophocleous, S. (2019). Integrating a virtual reality application to simulate situated learning experiences in a foreign language course. In F. Meunier, J. Van de Vyver, L. Bradley & S. Thouësny (Eds.), CALL and complexity – short papers from EUROCALL 2019 (pp. 82-87). Research-publishing.net. https://doi.org/10.14705/rpnet.2019.38.990
  • Chung, L. Y. (2012). Incorporating 3D-virtual reality into language learning. International Journal of Digital Content Technology and its Applications, 6(6), 249-255. https://doi.org/10.4156/jdcta.vol6.issue6.29
  • Dede, C. (2009). Immersive interfaces for engagement and learning. Science, 323(5910), 66-69. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1167311
  • De Freitas, S. (2006). Learning in immersive worlds: a review of game-based learning. Joint Information Systems Committee. http://www.jisc.ac.uk/media/documents/programmes/elearninginnovation/gamingr
  • Dobrova, V., Trubitsin, K., Labzina, P., Ageenko, N., & Gorbunova, Y. (2017). Virtual Reality in Teaching of Foreign Languages. In E. Malushko, S. Nikolay & M. Nikita (Eds.), Proceedings of the 7th International Scientific and Practical Conference «Current issues of linguistics and didactics: The interdisciplinary approach in humanities» (CILDIAH 2017) (pp. 69-74). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/cildiah-17.2017.12
  • Frazier, E., & Roloff-Rothman, J. (2019). Language Learning for Global Citizenship with VR360. Global Issues in Language Education Newsletter, 111, 14-16.
  • Frazier, E., Bonner, E., & Lege, R. (2018). A Brief Investigation into the Potential for Virtual Reality: a Tool for 2nd Language Learning Distance Education in Japan. The language and Media Learning Research Center Annual Report, 2, 211-216. https://www.kandagaigo.ac.jp/kuis/cms/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/15-2.pdf
  • Freina, L., & Ott, M. (2015). A literature review on immersive virtual reality in education: state of the art and perspectives. In I. Roceanu, F. Moldoveanu, S. Trausan-Matu, D. Barbieru, D. Beliga & A. Ionita (Eds.), Proceedings of the 11th International Conference eLearning and Software for Education - Rethinking education by leveraging the eLearning pillar of the Digital Agenda for Europe (pp. 133-141). “Carol I” National Defence University.
  • Garrido-Iñigo, P., & Rodríguez-Moreno, F. (2015). The reality of virtual worlds: Pros and cons of their application to foreign language teaching. Interactive Learning Environments, 23(4), 453-470. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2013.788034
  • Heil, C. R., Wu, J. S., Lee, J. L., & Schmidt, T. (2016). A Review of Mobile Language Learning Applications: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities. The Eurocall Review, 24(2), 32-50. https://doi.org/10.4995/eurocall.2016.6402
  • Jauregi, K., Canto, S., de Graaff, R., Koenraad, T., & Moonen, M. (2011). Verbal interaction in Second Life: towards a pedagogic framework for task design. Computer Assisted Language Learning, 24(1), 77-101. https://doi.org/10.1080/09588221.2010.538699
  • Jensen, L., & Konradsen, F. (2018). A review of the use of virtual reality head-mounted displays in education and training. Education and Information Technologies, 23(4), 1515-1529. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-017-9676-0
  • Kallioniemi, P., Sharma, S., Hakulinen, J., & Turunen, M. (2016). Collaborative Conversational Language Learning with CityCompass. In J. Read & P. Stenton (Eds.), Proceedings of the The 15th International Conference on Interaction Design and Children (pp. 672-675). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/2930674.2938612
  • Kallioniemi P., Ronkainen K., Karhu J., Sharma S., Hakulinen J., & Turunen M. (2019) CityCompass VR - A Collaborative Virtual Language Learning Environment. In D. Lamas, F. Loizides, L. Nacke, H. Petrie, M. Winckler & P. Zaphiris (Eds.), Human-Computer Interaction – INTERACT 2019 (pp. 540-543). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29390-1_33
  • Krokos, E., Plaisant, C., & Varshney, A. (2019). Virtual memory palaces: immersion aids recall. Virtual Reality, 23, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10055-018-0346-3
  • Lee, E. A.-L., & Wong, K. W. (2008). A review of using virtual reality for learning. In Z. Pan, A. D. Cheok, W. Müller & A. El Rhalibi (Eds.), Transactions on Edutainment I (pp. 231-241). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-69744-2_18
  • Legault, J., Zhao, J., Chi, Y., Chen, W., Klippel, A., & Li, P. (2019). Immersive Virtual Reality as an Effective Tool for Second Language Vocabulary Learning. Languages, 4(1), 1-32. https://doi.org/10.3390/languages4010013
  • Lege, R., & Bonner, E. (2017). The state of virtual reality in education. The language and Media Learning Research Center Annual Report, 149-156. http://id.nii.ac.jp/1092/00001460/
  • Lin, T. J., & Lan, Y. J. (2015). Language learning in virtual reality environments: Past, present, and future. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 18(4), 486-497.
  • Merchant, Z., Goetz, E. T., Cifuentes, L., Keeny-Kennicutt, W., & Davis, T. J. (2014). Effectiveness of virtual reality-based instruction on students’ learning outcomes in K-12 and higher education: A meta-analysis Computers & Education, 70, 29-40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2013.07.033
  • Radianti, J., Majchrzak, T. A., Fromm, J., & Wohlgenannt, I. (2020). A systematic review of immersive virtual reality applications for higher education: Design elements, lessons learned, and research agenda. Computers & Education, 147, 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2019.103778
  • Rogers, S. (2019). Virtual Reality: The learning aid of the 21st century. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/solrogers/2019/03/15/virtual-reality-the-learning-aid-of-the-21st-century/#7b5ad441139b
  • Ryan, M. L. (2015). Narrative as virtual reality 2: Revisiting immersion and interactivity in literature and electronic media (Vol. 2). Johns Hopkins University Press.
  • Walsh, K. R., & Pawlowski, S. D. (2002). Virtual reality: A technology in need of IS research. Communications of the Association for Information Systems, 8(1), 297-313. https://doi.org/10.17705/1CAIS.00820