Journal Article

Using Interactive Virtual Reality Tools in an Advanced Chinese Language Class: a Case Study

Xie, Ying, Chen, Yan, Ryder, Lanhui

2019

Overview

This case study explored college students’ use of interactive virtual reality tools (Google Cardboard and Expeditions) for learning Chinese as a foreign language. Specifically, the purpose of the study was to probe into students’ perceived benefits and challenges of using VR tools for Chinese language and culture learning. Twelve students were paired and role-played as virtual tour guides for six locations throughout a semester. Every two weeks, each dyad studied a particular Chinese tourist attraction or location and presented orally in Chinese as virtual tour guides by using the VR tools. Data collection included class observations of all presentations by each dyad, 24 reflections (two per participant, after the first and fifth presentations), and individual follow-up interviews. The study indicated that the real-life view VR tools offered an authentic context for Chinese language learning, sparked interest in the virtually presented locales, and encouraged students to further explore the target culture.

• Publisher: Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Authentic Learning / Cardboard / Case studies / Chinese / Chinese as a second language / Chinese languages / Classroom communication / College students / Culture / Data acquisition / Data collection / Dyads / Educational Environment / Educational Facilities Improvement / Educational Technology / Expeditions / Foreign languages / Influence of Technology / Information Processing / Language acquisition / Language culture relationship / Learning / Learning Processes / Learning Theories / Literature Reviews / Majors (Students) / Mandarin Chinese / Native Language / Native Speakers / Role Playing / Second language learning / Situated Learning / Stimuli / Student Participation / Students / Virtual reality / Visual Perception