The Effect Of Virtual Reality On Foreign Language Learning Experience And Speaking Anxiety

The development of information technology has promoted the reform of foreign language teaching concepts and methods.Virtual Reality(VR),known as a new medium of information technology,has brought new trends to the development of foreign language learning.Therefore,it's necessary to explore the usage of VR technology in language learning for better learning experience.In this study,A VR English learning system for oral English training purpose is built based on language learning theories and VR Context.The design and implementation of this system are further presented.To explore the learning experience of the new VR system,this study analyzes its user perceived experience with 3 elements:perceived usability,perceived ease of use,and behavioral intention.Fifty-five undergraduates are recruited and randomly divided into two groups:the experimental group and the control group.The experimental group uses the VR system for learning while the control group uses a desktop software without any contexts for learning.Data analysis reveals that the overall user experience of VR English learning system is significantly better than that of desktop learning system.VR learning system is significantly superior to desktop learning system in perceived usability and behavioral intention,while no significant difference is found in perceived ease of use.Interviews are also conducted with these two groups for insights.To explore the learning acheivements of VR English learning system,this study focuses on the psychological facilitation provided by virtual context,namely the alleviation of English speaking anxiety in real-life scenario.Quantitative and qualitative analyses conclude that VR contextual learning can reduce foreign language speaking anxiety in real context.This anxiety-reducing effect is more significant for students with higher English learning anxiety in their daily lives.The conclusion not only proves the effectiveness of VR language teaching from the perspective of psychology,but also provides new method for reducing English speaking anxiety.Based on the process of theoretical research,design practice,experimental proof and user interviews,this study points out the advantages and disadvantages of VR technology in the application of English education,providing reference for future study.