Integrating VR goggles to enhance student involvement and faciltate vocabulary acquisition experiences

Abstract

In this paper is reported creative use of virtual reality (VR) technology in the learning process for second–year L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University students. Acknowledging the possibility for a transformation in education, the study tackles such educational issues as poor motivation among foreign language learners and insufficient exposure to real language environments. The value of the study pertains to the novelty and prospective potential of VR technology in learning the English language. This study aims to apply and show the effectiveness of VR technology as a tool for language learning participation and motivation. We used a mixed-methods research design combining qualitative and quantitative approaches including a literature analysis, a comparative method, secondary data analysis, expert assessments, and a case study approach. One experimental and one control group comprised the study. Every group had twenty students. For two months, the experimental group wore VR glasses. In terms of three main conclusions — availability of VR educational programs, adaptability for language learning, and affordability and accessibility — the results showed the capacity of this equipment for their use in the foreign language classrooms of Kazakhstan’s universities. The study also showed that gains in students’ language learning performance and motivation increased to 31%.