Using Virtual Reality in the Educational Process to Increase Students' Motivation and Interest

Abstract

This article aims to identify some obstacles and opportunities for using virtual reality tools in teaching English to students. The research method is a case study focusing on the perceptions and responses of four teachers. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect this data. The results show the importance of pre-service and in-service training for teachers to use a foreign language effectively - in this case, English - when teaching with these tools. Additionally, teachers highlight specific difficulties that hinder the realisation of the educational opportunities offered by virtual reality in the process of foreign language learning. The results show that, for example, despite the overall level of satisfaction, motivation is not always present in the use of smartphones. In contrast, satisfaction, motivation, and engagement are closely related in virtual reality. These differences emphasise the importance of technology in the learning process. The novelty of this paper is to study these discourses to find that the main motivations that drive teachers to use new virtual tools are related to both personal factors (curiosity, passion, interest) and pedagogical aspects (application, sharing experiences with colleagues, caring for students). These two forms of motivation, essential for proper technology integration, underline the strong desire of teachers to participate in the project to improve their teaching practice and optimise student learning. However, although motivation is an influential factor in integrating new technologies, teachers do not hide their doubts and concerns. The practical value of the study on using virtual reality (VR) in the educational process to increase students' motivation and interest is creating an interactive environment that can engage students and make learning more fun. This is especially important for those with difficulties with traditional teaching methods and individualising learning. VR allows you to adapt the material to the needs of each student, which contributes to more effective learning. Learners can work at their own pace and repeat the material as often as necessary.