How do virtual reality lessons affect EFL learners’ perceptions of speaking English?

[EN] This study investigates the effects of fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) lessons on Japanese English learners' perceptions of speaking English. Seven undergraduate students volunteered for one-hour interviews after participating in VR English conversation lessons over seven months u...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Satake, Yoshiho, Yamamoto, Shinji, Obari, Hiroyuki
Tipo de recurso: capítulo de libro
Fecha de publicación:2024
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV)
Repositorio:RiuNet. Repositorio Institucional de la Universitat Politécnica de Valéncia
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:riunet.upv.es:10251/206578
Acceso en línea:https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/206578
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Virtual Reality (VR)
English language learning
Foreign language anxiety
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Descripción
Sumario:[EN] This study investigates the effects of fully immersive Virtual Reality (VR) lessons on Japanese English learners' perceptions of speaking English. Seven undergraduate students volunteered for one-hour interviews after participating in VR English conversation lessons over seven months using Oculus Quest 2 VR headsets and the Immerse platform. Participants reported a favorable acceptance of VR for English-language learning because of its fun and comfortable nature compared to face-to-face or Zoom lessons. They felt more comfortable and less anxious when communicating in English through avatars and appreciated the gaming aspects of the VR experience. A positive shift was found in the attitudes of those who had not previously experienced English conversation lessons. However, participants highlighted the need for technical improvements in VR technology. These findings suggest VR's potential as an effective language-learning tool.