A PROPOSAL FOR A VIRTUAL REALITY METHOD IN LANGUAGE LEARNING

The paper presents a new method for the use of extended reality (XR) technologies in education, particularly in language learning. The authors realized a prototype of XR environment for distance learning of French language, via the software Unreal Engine 4. It deploys two types of VR activities, with the aim to improve understanding of grammatical concepts and memorization of new words, respectively. The dimension of depth is embedded into the learning process, by exploiting the kinesthetic aspects of the immersive environment. Thus, the learner moves in space and manipulates specific virtual objects involved in the learning activity to complete the task. A qualitative assessment has been conducted with a limited number of target students and now is currently under a wider experimental validation. However, the article introduces also the theoretical aspects of the new method, paving the way for further development.