Students’ Perceptions of Using Virtual Reality and AI to Learn Languages

1465 

Roundtable 

Non-language specific 

English 

Betty Facer  
Old Dominion University

Betty Facer  
Old Dominion University

Beginning to advanced-level students of Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, and Spanish are demonstrating the transformative impact of combining Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) with reflective practices. At our institution, grant-funded research projects engaged over 300 world language learners in authentic, real-world scenarios over a two-year period. Such meaningful immersive experiences present a "safe-failure" environment for our students to practice the target language. Moreover, the practice of reflection following this immersion significantly highlights the student learning process, including, multicultural learning, skills development, motivation, gamification, depiction of space, authentic locations, and engagement. Through high impact practices, students share their understanding of languages and cultures as an integral component of the course. This presentation will discuss insights on technology, student learning outcomes, and reflections.

Participants will recognize how the emerging technologies of virtual reality and AI offer students meaningful real-world scenarios to enhance their language practice at any level. Learn more about what students have to say about their experience using immersive technologies to learn world languages and cultures in a "safe-failure" environment.

Participants will understand how these emerging technologies combined with highly effective reflective practices are transforming the teaching and learning of world languages with positive student learning outcomes. Students' comments on visuals, audio, interaction, and the virtual environment will be shared along with samples of AI conversations.

Participants will learn more about the tools used for these grant-funded studies, including the platform for VR immersion and AI conversations, various head-mounted devices, use of the platform analytics, and how to provide necessary support. Suggestions for incorporating similar tools into the curricula at all levels will be discussed.

This session will focus on virtual reality and AI experiences in world language courses as part of the projects at a top tier research institution where beginning to advanced level students demonstrate their knowledge of the target language and culture in meaningful, real-world scenarios. Student learning outcomes and reflections will be shared.

All Audiences

Technology and Digital Learning