Create an immersive English learning environment— VR!

How do you introduce the submarine in English to your students?
Use a pile of pictures?
How about using Virtual Reality to create an immersive English learning environment!

I first noticed that VR could be applied in ELT in a lesson in a MOOC (an online learning platform in China). The lecturer promoted the merit of VR usage in ELT, which left a deep impression on me. That is VR can support authentic language usage. The real-world situations produced by VR allow students to use authentic language to communicate. However, due to the high cost, not every student can enjoy such a learning environment.

At the last lesson on ICT, I was lucky enough to have a try. Just like the picture, my friend was experiencing a game in VR and what she saw in the headset can also be projected to the screen. This function allows the whole class to enjoy VR learning even though there is only one device. After listening to the instructions, the game started. I think the situation is quite real and can attract students to engage in the game positively. During the process, students must use language to assist and negotiate with the player, which definitely encourages them to exercise their oral skills. Boys will be crazy about this VR teaching! I can promise even the students who hate learning English most can be attracted by VR learning!

(Consent was obtained for photo use.)

I also want to introduce an ELSA, (English Language Speech Assistant), a mobile application designed to help speakers improve their pronunciation and speaking skills.

(website screenshots of ELSA)

When to use ELSA

For beginners, I think this is really a useful tool. Because of its AI scoring system, users can get real-time feedback. What's more, I think AI scoring will be more objective and accurate than people scoring. This can improve teaching and learning efficiency since students don't need to wait for feedback from their busy teachers, and teachers have more time to improve their teaching since they don't need to deal with these small but basic teaching tasks, like pronunciation correction. This App can also stimulate situational conversations to increase students' interaction abilities.

Limitations

As a user, I think these kinds of products are not personalized enough. Although they have a more accurate scoring system, I think only real teachers, humans, can point out the problem to the point. Sometimes, you can also have high scores if you use some tricks. However, when you speak out, you will reveal your real English ability.

Besides, the content in these products is not authentic and, sometimes, a bit childish. We even don't use these words in real life. So why do we practice that?

One thing that still needs to be taken into account is the cost. If you want to enjoy more advanced functions, you need to upgrade your user levels. That means you need to spend money. Anyway, basic functions, for beginners or someone who wants to improve their pronunciation, are enough.

Enjoy your English learning trip! Have fun!