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ERIC Number: EJ1255762
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020-Jan
Pages: 20
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1436-4522
EISSN: N/A
Facilitating Communicative Ability of EFL Learners via High-Immersion Virtual Reality
Ou Yang, Fang-Chuan; Lo, Fang-Ying Riva; Chen Hsieh, Jun; Wu, Wen-Chi Vivian
Educational Technology & Society, v23 n1 p30-49 Jan 2020
Developing communicative ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) learners is essential when it comes to authentic learning. Nevertheless, conventional textbook usage and English instruction often fail to be learner-engaging. With the help of high-immersion Virtual Reality (VR), language learning can be transformed into a more self-directed learning experience, using a simulated authentic environment to enhance engagement. Therefore, a three-dimensional learning system, Virtual Reality Life English (VRLE), was developed to provide learners with an authentic setting to facilitate communicative ability development. Seventy-two low-achieving junior high school students were recruited as participants. Multiple data sources were collected for both quantitative and qualitative data analysis of VRLE, including a pre-test/post-test addressing communicative performance, an Igroup Presence Questionnaire (IPQ) for the students' perception of perceived presence, and a semi-structured interview. The primary affordances were the beneficial application of VRLE to English communicative ability and an enhanced sense of presence in an EFL context. Furthermore, the students were positive about the learning experience. The study proves the potential of incorporating high-immersion VR technology in an EFL context. Nevertheless, the challenge of its accessibility needs careful consideration in future research to place VR in an advantageous position for language learning.
International Forum of Educational Technology & Society. Available from: National Sun Yat-sen University. Department of Information Management, 70, Lien-Hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan. Web site: https://www.j-ets.net/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Junior High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Taiwan
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A