Virtual Reality in Foreign Language Learning: A Review of the Literature

Virtual Reality (VR) technology in foreign language learning has been developed in the past two decades. The purpose of this review is to summarize practice and assessment of VR in foreign language learning. The databases of EBSCOhost and CNKI were used for searching the relevant articles including the key words virtual reality and language teaching. Research involved treatment was identified and 21 studies were reviewed. The results of this review indicated that the features of VR such as immersion, interaction and imagination contribute to foreign language learners’ strong interest and engagement in the new learning environment especially in speaking, listening, and cultural practice. In addition, the mobile- and computer-based virtual environments are popular while the total immersive head mounted display-supported VR environment is on the rise. The 3D motion capture and algorithm began to be used for assessment besides the normal triangular approaches. However, little research has been done to examine the relationships among the use of VR and student motivation, engagement and achievement, and intelligent recommendation for student’s personalized needs. The future research in how to motivate students to engage in foreign language learning in the VR learning environment is discussed.