Virtual and augmented reality in language education : immersive experiences for language learners

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are gaining increasing attention in language education due to their ability to create immersive and interactive learning environments. This paper explores the pedagogical benefits of VR and AR for language learning, particularly in terms of engagement, contextualized learning, and skill development. It also examines challenges such as accessibility, technological requirements, and pedagogical integration. VR allows learners to interact with realistic scenarios, enhancing language acquisition, while AR overlays digital content onto the real world, providing contextualized learning. However, challenges such as high technology costs and the need for teacher training are also discussed.