Question: After watching the videos and reading the articles, are you convinced VR or AR has a

place in language learning? If yes, how? If no, why? (300 - 500 words)

Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and the blending of the two, called mixed or
extended reality, are the umbrella terms for a wide range of information technologies that enable
users to experience enhanced digital resources. AR and VR are distinctive from one another in
some ways. AR requires the use of camera on your mobile phone or tablet to see images/pictures
imposed into the reality around your surroundings whereas VR is literally a different world in
which you put on your VR Headset (e.g.: Oculus) and are then transported virtually to a
computer-simulated reality.  

Just like how every new tech trend finds its way into language learning, I am convinced that both
AR and VR too have a place in language learning because of the various advancements that our
learners may experience by having the right mindset to accept and utilize these trending,
immersive technologies.

Firstly, AR and VR help to break the geographical barrier by providing access to native speakers
to promote experiential learning for local language learners. With the invention of VR, local
language learners are able to experience real-life conversations with native speakers of the target
language which contributes to improved proficiency. On the other hand, AR (using your phone
camera) offers an incredible feature known as the Live Translation whereby you can launch the
AR app to translate from one language to another be it from French to Chinese or from Italian to
Japanese. This eases the learning process and impacts language learning in a positive way by
providing a more stimulating, interesting and satisfactory means of language learning. Since we
learn English as our second/third language in Malaysia, this platform is one that we should not
miss to help our students learn to converse with the native speakers of the English language. This
also contributes to learners of other foreign languages such as German, French and Japanese.

Another mesmerizing feature of VR is live-tutoring and language labs. I personally feel this is a
bomb-feature as it provides an authentic learning environment for its users. For an instance, an
English teacher can create a lesson that takes place inside a virtual gym hosted by a native
speaker to teach his/her students vocabulary pertaining to gym equipment. Additionally, learners
are given the flexibility to move around as the lesson progresses to another level which aids in
eliminating boredom among learners. Through VR's live-tutoring and language labs, learners
have the opportunity to experience innovative lessons in a fun and exciting way.

Moreover, AR and VR also enable educators to create their own interactive games incorporating
some aspects of language learning. To illustrate, Scavenger Hunts, Word Explorations and 3D
Virtual Scrabbles are some awestruck-games that can be used in language learning environment.
These games offer engaging collaborative activity and simplified interpretive guided tours in the
beginning of each game that explains the step-by-step guide of the processes involved to ease
students' understanding of the game-lessons.

To conclude, I believe it is undeniable that the world is gearing towards a digitalized platform
especially when education is concerned; therefore, there is a constant need for us to strive to be
at par with other nations around the world. With proper facilities and right directions, our nation
too can optimize technological-based tools such as AR and VR to lift the future of education for
our upcoming generations.