Learning English Conversations in an Immersive Virtual Reality Environment

Abstract

Direct exposures to and contacts with the target language environments are useful in learning second languages. Unfortunately, it is not always possible for average learners to travel to another country or have a chance to converse with native speakers of the language. Virtual Reality (VR) technology can provide a solution. We developed an immersive Virtual Reality (VR) English conversation training program in which learners can practice English conversations with a virtual character. We tested a pilot version of the program in this study. Six college students received the training either with a headset (HMD condition) or with a computer screen (non-HMD condition). We assessed their learning outcomes as well as their language anxiety and also asked them for suggestions about how to improve the environment. No significant differences in learning outcomes and language anxiety were found between the HMD and the Non-HMD conditions yet, but participants' open-ended responses provided insights about how to further improve the VR training program.