Immersive Technology in World Languages

ALTEC is exploring immersive technology in language learning. Immersive technology is a type of technology that uses a digital landscape which allows users to interact and feel a sense of immersion within an artificial environment.

Extended reality (XR) is an umbrella term encompassing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). XR technology can connect students to language and culture by immersing them in virtual worlds. Through these experiences, students are able to visit highly realistic museums, cities, and even travel back in time, all without leaving the classroom.

Immersive Technology for Language Learning

Learning a second language can be hard. Oftentimes lack of exposure, immersion and engagement can be a factor for students. Traditionally, learning another language has been taught with a focus on the constructions of the language rather than the use of the language.

XR is able to break down the traditional instruction-based learning approach by giving students the opportunity to be fully immersed in the culture while having a safe, judgment-free space for practice and learning a language.

Language instructors can incorporate VR into their classroom in a variety of ways that allow them to focus on specific skills. Instructors can choose to incorporate low-tech VR, which includes basic uses of 360° images and videos that students can interact with on desktops or phones in a VR-viewer. Instructors can also incorporate high-tech VR and use platforms that allow for a more immersive experience for students.

Using VR-technology and being fully immersed in a 3D artificial world can cause the user to experience "cyber-sickness." This may occur when exposed to a virtual environment for a longer period of time and the symptoms are similar to motion sickness symptoms.

The most common symptoms include:

General discomfort
Headache
Stomach awareness
Nausea
Vomiting

Pallor
Sweating
Fatigue
Drowsiness
Disorientation

If you experience any of these symptoms while using immersive technology, discontinue use immediately. Symptoms usually disappear within a few hours.

Consider if any accommodations (visual, hearing, or other ADA accommodations) are needed to use VR-technology comfortably. Many of these technologies are now accessible on a desktop or mobile phone in 2D.

Equipment

XR technology can be accessed with any mobile device, tablet or desktop computer. The basic need is a device with an XR app or software installed. An intermediate setup is using a cell phone with a cardboard headset, and an advanced setup is a VR headset. Popular brands of VR headsets include Oculus, HTC Vive, Pico, PS VR, Google Certified Cardboard Viewer and Valve Index.

ALTEC has created VR Google Certified Cardboard Viewers that work with most mobile devices.

What is the difference between 360º videos and VR?

The main difference between 360° videos and VR is that videos control your story and VR lets you control the story. When watching a 360° video, whether you are watching from a 2D desktop or a head-mounted display, you can look all around you in an enclosed spherical space, however, you cannot interact with anything you see or deviate from the recorded story. VR mode, on the other hand, goes beyond direction and allows you to have control over the virtual environment and interact with the recorded story.

Resource Guides

Immersive Apps and Platforms

Activity Ideas

Virtual Museums and Online Resources

Get Immersed

ALTEC is here to help! If you are not familiar with VR and not technically inclined, fear not! ALTEC is here for you and your students. ALTEC provides everything from instructor support and consultations to hosting webinars and workshops. Feel free to email us if you have questions, or would like to collaborate on a project or an idea with immersive technology for world languages.

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