Perceptions of ImmerseMe Virtual Reality Platform to Improve English Communicative Skills in Higher Education

Juan Habib Bendeck Soto,Lued Del Carmen Beltrán Colon,Diana Carolina Toro Ocampo,Alejandro Valencia Oropesa

doi:10.3991/ijim.v14i07.12181

Abstract

The main objective of this project was to evaluate the impact of the application of the virtual reality platform ImmerseMe as an empowering and innovative tool for learning English in a private university, as well as evaluating its possible future implementation in a private university in Medellín. It was applied in speaking activities to measure and evaluate the level of speaking of students from levels 1 to 3, as a pilot test for the use of immersive virtual reality within the thematic units currently designed from the department of foreign languages and cultures. The findings of the study showed that an immersive VR platform like this one is ideal to enhance the different skills of English as a foreign language (EFL) from an immersive focus considering different contexts and thinking of the development of communicative skills and interaction with native speakers in higher education. The recommendations given are for teachers and students’ participation and motivation for its implementation contemplating the cost and the multiple advantages of immersing students in a second language virtual environment.

Highlights

The use of advanced audiovisual technologies for learning English as a Foreign Language has been causing a big revolution in the academic environment, becoming more common practice in Colombian institutions as a way to improve teaching and learning process in English [40], oriented to students who want to live the experience of interacting in a foreign language with the inclusion of technology
It could be seen that these students are very eager and demanding with the implementation of new modalities of teaching and learning, specially learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL) in an innovative way
After the application of the platform, it was important to mark the following conclusions: After the execution this study, it could be determined that the use and application of immersive virtual reality platforms as ImmerseMe, is a process in a state of maturation within our country, which indicates that for many institutions to improve the quality of the process of teaching and learning processes, they must begin to incorporate new technologies with greater intensity in the classroom

Summary

Introduction

Recently two concepts have been irrupting in the world of learning languages: virtual reality and immersive environments These are correlated concepts which have their proper transversal learning approaches to generate the adoption of new languages, involving disciplines through the social interaction between human and computer, and the user experience with virtual objects. The actuality with the inclusion of VR in Colombian institutions, is reflected in the non-acquisition of reachable or available technology for improving the education of future professionals in a second language, not having the timely chances to use these tools in their work area [13], matter not being considered to increase student engagement with regular or complex contents and to promote a constructivist learning, increase innovative learning experiences in any educational level, and provide scenarios where students visualize abstract concepts [11], and live the experience in real-life situations

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Conclusion