A Systematic Review of Research on High-Immersion Virtual Reality for Language Learning

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has been shown to be beneficial for learning and for increasing learners’ engagement and motivation. However, aggregations of studies on language learning in high-immersion VR are scarce. This paper offers a systematic review of existing research on virtual reality-based language learning, encompassing 32 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2020. The study yielded three main language-related findings: (1) multiple exposures to VR are necessary for effective learning; (2) VR is beneficial for contextual vocabulary learning; and (3) perceptions of language learning in VR are positive, but its effectiveness is understudied. We also describe trends in the types of VR technologies, VR content used in language learning, and learners’ perceptions of learning languages in VR. This systematic review is useful for language educators, researchers, and VR app developers.