VIRTUAL REALITY

-Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment.

-Virtual Reality’s most immediately-recognizable component is the head-mounted display (HMD). Human beings are visual creatures, and display technology is often the single biggest difference between immersive Virtual Reality systems and traditional user interfaces.

-Major players in Virtual Reality include HTC Vive, Oculus Rift and PlayStation VR (PSVR).

What is Virtual Reality?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. By simulating as many senses as possible, such as vision, hearing, touch, even smell, the computer is transformed into a gatekeeper to this artificial world. The only limits to near-real VR experiences are the availability of content and cheap computing power.

What’s the difference Between Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality?

Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality are two sides of the same coin. You could think of Augmented Reality as VR with one foot in the real world: Augmented Reality simulates artificial objects in the real environment; Virtual Reality creates an artificial environment to inhabit.

In Augmented Reality, the computer uses sensors and algorithms to determine the position and orientation of a camera. AR technology then renders the 3D graphics as they would appear from the viewpoint of the camera, superimposing the computer-generated images over a user’s view of the real world.

In Virtual Reality, the computer uses similar sensors and math. However, rather than locating a real camera within a physical environment, the position of the user’s eyes are located within the simulated environment. If the user’s head turns, the graphics react accordingly. Rather than compositing virtual objects and a real scene, VR technology creates a convincing, interactive world for the user.

How can we use Virtual Reality in ESL classrooms?

There’s a lot that goes into learning a language. Taking classes, studying textbooks, using apps, watching foreign movies, listening to foreign music, playing video games…the list seems endless. But another method of language learning is starting to arise from virtual reality, and the technology might become more prevalent in the coming years.

Fluency often requires a fully immersive experience. For many, traveling to a country and practicing a language with natives isn’t viable. As an alternative, the popularization of virtual reality headsets has rocketed the concept of virtual language learning into a new frontier. Where are we now with this technology, how did we get to this point, and how will it improve?

Language Learning in Second Life

The road to virtual reality language learning expanded drastically in 2003 with the launch of Second Life, an online virtual world. The creators, Linden Lab, have insisted that Second Life is not a game, as it has no overall objectives or storyline. Instead, users are given complete freedom to explore and interact in a virtual world where they create, learn, socialize, work, study, and more.

In this massive world, education is a major draw. Teachers from all fields of study recognized the potential of Second Life, and used the platform to teach educational material to users in virtual classrooms.

OUR VIRTUAL REALITY EXPERIENCE IN CLASSROOM