Welcome to my group inquiry project on the use of Virtual Reality (VR) in the ELL or language classroom. As an ESL / ELL teacher, I’m particularly interested in how we can overcome the problem of relying on textbook-based learning in teaching a foreign language. To me, the main problem is that language textbooks heavily focus on  contrived material, which often has no practical use for learners with a specific need or goal in mind. Students are routinely required to learn (and are tested on) large amounts of material that they view as irrelevant. The result is that they learn a lot of vocabulary, but rarely gain fluency. Also, textbook role-play exercises tend to lack any kind of authenticity as roles are usually generalized, focused on grammar, and do not allow for spontaneous response. In researching Virtual Learning Environments (VLEs), it’s amazing how current immersive simulations can much better imitate real-life situations, forcing students to improvise and adapt their language skills as they go.

Here’s a little presentation my group put together for class. I think the embedded video showing a VLE of a Colombian cafe is a great example of the potential use of VR in the language classroom.

Ed Tech – Virtual Reality