If you have ever tried to learn a new language, you know what kind of pain it can be to read huge stacks of books, listen to numerous audio recordings, watch several TV shows with subtitles, or take multiple classes to learn a foreign language. What’s even more painful is when, even after doing everything you can, you still are not able to converse in the new language. Even if you understand the language, you feel anxious about the grammar or you contemplate each word in your native language and then translate every time you dare speak up—basically, it’s not happening!
Cut to: a virtual environment where you are inside a Parisian bistro, placing an order while trying to pronounce ‘croissant’ correctly, and not feeling anxious even if you can’t! Now that’s exactly what you need to be able to learn a new language without inhibitions.
Is it still relevant to learn languages?
That’s a big YES! According to Ethnologue, English is the most-spoken language in the world with more than 1452 million native and non-native speakers. In today’s globalized world, learning a foreign language is a legit skill that connects you with people from different cultures. When you know the language of the country you're visiting, you can have a much richer experience. You'll be able to communicate with locals, read signs and menus, and navigate your way around like a pro. Not only this, you’ll be able to take your career to the next level if you are bilingual. However, research shows that nearly 95% of learners fail to achieve their desired level of proficiency in language learning. Then, what can be done? Enter virtual reality-enabled ELL (English Language Learning) modules.
Immerse into real-life situations
Why settle for just memorizing vocabulary words when you can immerse yourself in a virtual world of language-learning adventures? With ELL modules, it’s like having a personal language coach who guides you through engaging scenarios in a virtual world.
Don’t worry, fumbles are allowed in VR!
English Language Learning modules allow learners to practice the language in a multitude of scenarios, bringing learners into situations which instructors struggle to provide. The scenarios imitate real-life situations, like checking into a hotel lobby, ordering food in a cafe, booking an airline ticket, and more. There’s no need to fear the judgment of others when you stumble over tricky words or make hilarious pronunciation errors. It’s just you, your headset, and a whole virtual world of language-learning possibilities!
Fluency a problem? Rehearse as much as you want in VR
Speaking requires either time with an instructor, or a native speaker. It is not something that can be done on one’s own… until now. VR offers voice recognition, ensuring that learners take an active role as they rehearse the nuances of the language in a safe space. Although most things can be studied on one’s own, such as vocabulary, grammar, listening, reading and writing, speaking requires a partner or teacher. That barrier is removed with language lessons in VR. The voice recognition feature leaves enough space to make mistakes, work on speech production, and ensures that learners are active participants in the process.
Some basic features of the ELL series include:
While VR can revolutionize the language learning process, it's not here to replace teachers. This VR ELL series was not created as a foundational English course, yet was made to enhance and support learning, and encourage further study by building confidence and preparedness for the situations and scenes that students may one day find themselves in. Building confidence by giving exposure to a variety of contexts, this series is a terrific addition to any language learning environment. So why limit yourself to textbooks and videos when you can explore the world of language learning through the VR lens? Say goodbye to awkward small talk and hello to immersive virtual environments that prepare you for real-life situations.
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