In the current educational landscape, characterized by the rapid evolution of mobile technologies and the increasing accessibility of emerging technologies such as virtual reality (VR), a pioneering field of research and application emerges: virtual reality-assisted language learning (VRALL). This study, led by Anke Berns and Salvador Reyes-Sánchez from the University of Cádiz, delves into the analysis of the most popular VR applications for language learning, available on commercial platforms like Google Play Store and App Store. Through a thorough examination of 17 such applications, the work seeks to identify both current trends and future challenges in the VRALL area, offering a critical perspective on the effectiveness of these technologies in the educational process.
The research reveals a concerning reality: the majority of the analyzed applications are not specifically designed for foreign language learning and barely scratch the surface of VR's real potential. Few of them offer innovative pedagogical approaches or modes of interaction and learning scenarios that significantly enhance linguistic and cultural immersion. This finding highlights the need to develop more language-focused applications that fully leverage the immersive and interactive capabilities of VR to facilitate the acquisition of language skills in environments that simulate real-world experiences.
The study's conclusions emphasize the nascent nature of VRALL within the context of commercial applications and underline the importance of addressing the development of immersive environments and realistic interaction in a more profound and systematic manner. It suggests more exploratory, experimental, constructive, and collaborative learning approaches in future applications. Additionally, it highlights the need to incorporate adaptive learning models that use artificial intelligence to provide regular and personalized feedback on the students' learning process. This study not only sheds light on the current state of VR applications for language learning but also sets a clear direction for future research and developments in this emerging field, with the potential to revolutionize how language skills are acquired through technology.
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How to reference this article: Berns, A., & Reyes-Sánchez, S. (2021). A Review of Virtual Reality-Based Language Learning Apps. RIED-Revista Iberoamericana de Educación a Distancia, 24(1), 159-177. https://doi.org/10.5944/ried.24.1.27486
