How is Virtual Reality revolutionizing Language Learning?

“VR is a way to escape the real world into something more fantastic. It has the potential to be the most social technology of all time.”

- Palmer Luckey, 

 

Virtual Reality (VR) is the future now. It is much more interactive, fun, expressive and makes us believe in things we never thought of. The whole idea behind Virtual Reality was to create a world you can enjoy in. So, now if you are at home and need some entertainment then you can watch a nice three dimensional movie with popcorn.

 

This technology is not only to impress your friends or partners, instead you can use it to groom yourself, develop and improve. Whenever there is new technology language learning also gradually changes with it.

 

Each new invention has its own pros and cons. It depends on the user how much he can benefit. Constantly new apps are coming and bringing us closer to tech. In this blog we will learn about the Virtual Reality realm in language learning and understand how it will be in the future.

 

 

How Virtual Reality is connected with Language Learning?

 

It is believed that with Virtual Reality we can learn languages much faster and with greater understanding. In VR devices like computers, mobiles and tablets are used for stimulation. Stimulation is like creating a real world where we can practice everything and experience it. 

 

If we connect VR with language learning then it can be imagined how interactive the whole language learning process will be. We will not have to imagine how things will be, rather we can experience them.

 

Why are we stressing over language learning? Stats show that almost 95% of the learners fail in this process. Can you imagine there are over 1 Billion people that want to learn English and if the drop off rate is 95% then so many people are simply failing in the process.

 

One of the main reasons for this drop off is that people are not able to relate and live the moments they are learning about. It can be said that there is a lack of - immersion and exposure behind language learning. 

 

And from what we read earlier VR can make it much more interesting. This is how we can connect VR with language learning. Not practicing what we learn with others will have no benefit at all. 

 

Also Read - AI in Language Learning

 

Opportunity VR is providing for Language Learning

 

What advantages is VR offering in Language Learning? If we look at the education sector now, exposing the students and teachers to a social environment will help them grasp the whole idea of learning. VR will pave the way for them and give them the exposure and immersion they need.

 

“If you just look at the medium and what it’s doing, we are basically broadcasting human senses to your conciseness. We are duplicating perception.”

- Chris Milk

 

You can easily find affordable and economical VR headsets in the market. Cheaper headsets entail more accessibility to people and they can use it when they want. When we notice someone learning something new we also get the motivation and drive to do it right? Thus, more people will join the process and will be able to learn language.

 

In order to use VR in Language learning you will be required to buy Virtual Reality headsets. Oculus, Daydream or Cardboard are some viable options.

 

Pioneers of Language Learning using Virtual Reality

 

Given below are some of the pioneers that have a foothold over Virtual Reality in Language learning.

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Pioneers of VR Language learning

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1. Mondly

 

Mondly has entered into VR Language Learning and taken everyone by surprise. Their VR application offers around 30 different languages like- French, Chinese, Arabic, Hebrew, English etc. 

 

This app is available over the app store for android but for Apple users only regular Mondly app is there on iTunes. This app has a very subtle approach when it helps you in language learning.

 

It will put you in situations like - going to a hotel, ordering food at a restaurant, chatting with people etc. A person will speak to you and this way a conversation will take place. It will be easier for you to learn languages. They also have a voice recognition software so you can check your pronunciation mistakes as well.

 

2. ImmerseMe

 

If you need an app that will create a local scenario for you, then ImmerseMe is a perfect fit for you. Here you can expose yourself to situations like- ordering coffee, speaking with a native person, going to a hotel. 

 

The best part of this platform is that you will find real life locations on it. You can feel like you are sitting in a cafe in an outside country and enjoying yourself. Languages like Chinese, English, French, German etc are available on this VR based Language Learning platform.

 

Also Read | Applications of Virtual Reality in Education

 

3. Crystallize

 

This platform is a game and Virtual reality both. The game is very interesting. If you want to learn Japanese then Crystallize is for you. You will be put in a game where you have to collect words. These words in Japanese will be used in later stages of the game. 

 

You have to either reply in a sentence or there will be multiple choice questions. In case you do not find the right word to answer with, you can listen to other conversations that are going on and find your ideal word.

 

Moreover, this app will teach you the mannerism, etiquettes, and non-verbal communication that you will practice if you visit Japan. This platform is a whole package available for windows and other softwares.

 

4. Avakin Life

 

It is a mobile app where you design your character and explore everything. You are free to dance, sing, design your workspace etc. Around 11 different language options are given like- Chinese, English, French, Japanese, Russian etc. 

 

You can turn on the “International mode” and find people of any country you want and interact with them. This platform offers you both- Immersion and Exposure to learn languages faster.

 

5. Fulldive

 

Have you ever dreamt of going inside the video you love? Many of us dream about it while watching videos on YouTube. Fulldive is the app that can make your dreams come true. 

 

This platform will give you the access to go inside the video. This is totally based on the content like photos, videos that users provide. You can put on your headset and get inside vlogs, videos that are on Youtube. It is not specifically based on language learning experience but it is a great opportunity to expose yourself in different scenarios to learn things.

 

(Also Read - Top 10 Virtual Reality Games)

 

Thus, Virtual Reality in language learning is an interactive way to learn and experience at the same time. It will give you the opportunity to become more confident when you face a similar situation in real life.